Gypsy and 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu compete for Silver Peacock

Panaji: Two debutant directors vie for the Silver Peacock Award at IFFI 2024 with compelling narratives that blend emotion, logic, and social commentary.

Gypsy: A nomadic tale of survival and sensory experiences

At the press conference organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Shashi Chandrakant Khandare, director of Gypsy, shared the inspiration behind the film.

The movie narrates the struggles of a nomadic family, focusing on young Jodya, whose sensory perceptions, particularly smell, shape his understanding of the world. “The film highlights the unmet basic needs of many communities while exploring the values imparted through lived experiences,” Khandare explained.

Producer Shraddha Shashi Khandare and lead actor Kabir Khandare expressed pride in the film’s unique storytelling, which brings attention to the plight of marginalized communities.

35 Chinna Katha Kaadu: Logic, emotion, and damily dynamics

Telugu film 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani, presents a heartwarming family drama. Emani described the story as centering on a young boy’s struggles with mathematics, which unravel the emotional complexities within his middle-class family.

Actress Nivetha Thomas, who plays the boy’s mother Saraswati, noted, “Saraswati is a symbol of unconditional love and sacrifice. The role resonated with me deeply as it reflects the essence of Indian motherhood and the balance between nurturing curiosity and societal expectations.”

Actor Vishwadev Rachakonda added, “The film intertwines themes of love, education, and family relationships, offering a relatable portrayal of human dynamics.”

Recognizing storytelling with purpose

Both Gypsy and 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu reflect their directors’ commitment to blending meaningful narratives with entertainment. Gypsy shines a light on the survival struggles of nomadic families. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu explores the emotional and academic challenges of a middle-class household.

The directors expressed gratitude to the IFFI jury for recognizing their work, highlighting the festival’s role in elevating diverse and impactful storytelling to a global platform.

Celebrating cinema as a catalyst for dialogue

The press conference concluded with a call to celebrate cinema that goes beyond entertainment, sparking dialogue and reflection. As both films compete for the prestigious Silver Peacock Award for Best Debutant Director, they underscore the transformative power of storytelling in addressing real-world issues and emotions.