Prateek Kuhad, the Indian singer-songwriter behind hits like "Cold/Mess" and "Kasoor", is set to make his acting debut in the film "Drowning" ("Doobna" in Hindi/Urdu). This marks a significant step for Kuhad, who has already achieved success in the music industry, with his songs reaching the top of Spotify India and even making Barack Obama's year-end playlist. The film, directed by Dar Gai, is a collaboration between Marginal MediaWorks, D36, and Jugaad Motion Pictures, and is set in the vibrant music scene of Delhi.
Kuhad plays Tarush, an indie musician who experiences a sudden breakthrough but soon finds himself entangled in the web of a criminal record label boss. The film's premise, as described by Sanjay M. Sharma, the founder and CEO of Marginal MediaWorks, blends the raw energy of the Safdie brothers' style with the intimate storytelling of John Carney's "Once" and the dark, surreal elements of Lars von Trier's "Dancer in the Dark", all set against the backdrop of contemporary Delhi's music scene.
This project holds personal significance for Kuhad, who previously collaborated with Gai on the music video for his song "Cold/Mess", which was later named Rolling Stone's Music Video of the Year. Kuhad's involvement in the film was sparked by the idea of a movie inspired by his song "Drown", which he found intriguing.
Dar Gai, a Ukrainian-born director based in Mumbai, brings a unique perspective to the film. Her previous credits include "Three and a Half", which streamed on Netflix worldwide, and "Namdev Bhau: In Search of Silence", which played at prestigious film festivals. Gai's work on "Drowning" reflects her desire to capture the complexities of life in the present day, blending humor, tragedy, and chaos.
The film's production team includes Abhi Kanakadandila, whose D36 label represents South Asian-descent artists globally, and the Jugaad Motion Pictures team, known for their work on films like "Last Film Show", which was shortlisted for the international feature Oscar. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between the region's vibrant music culture and the traditional Bollywood format, as noted by Kanakadandila.
"Drowning" is part of Marginal MediaWorks' broader international slate, which focuses on South Asia and aims to tap into a vast market of two billion people, primarily English speakers, and the fastest-growing, digitally connected youth population. The company's previous productions, including "The Rose: Come Back to Me", "Cypher", and "Camp", have garnered critical acclaim and awards.
As Kuhad embarks on this new chapter in his career, the film "Drowning" promises to offer a unique blend of music, storytelling, and cultural exploration, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey.
