B for Bundelkhand explores the challenges farmers in poorer areas of the world face. It is a universal fear of not being able to eat, earn or take care of your family. These fears are amplified when you own lands and are responsible for their success.
It is a story of a father and a son, Ram Singh and Lalla. A father and son who while struggling with the same things, have a difficult time coming together to see each other’s point of view. It is as common a theme as they come and yet in this day and age, one of the most relevant. This film speaks of loss, dreams, love and the unexpected place we find ourselves in our lives. Ram Singh and Lalla face all of this together and alone, somehow trying to find peace in their lives. The family’s problems force Lalla to leave for the big city, but he comes back to try and help his father during his darkest hours.
117 Mins | Hindi | Drama | 2020 | India
In its persistent mission and zeal to promote good cinema, the Indian Film Institute brings you the experience of the Directors of the film - Vishal Mourya & Debi Prasad Lenka
Why this subject matter for your film?
Farmers are the backbone of this country who feeds every human being. My film is based on a farmer living in the Bundelkhand region, which is a part of Madhya Pradesh and Utter Pradesh state. Bundelkhand has always been affected by unexpected rainfall and drought. Being from the Bundelkhand region, I always saw a farmer struggling with the weather condition. Day by day, Bundelkhand condition is being worsened and farmers are now migrating to big cities for work. Farming is no more as good as it was before. The new generation is no more interested in farming in the region. I wanted to show the farmer state of mind and what happens when their loved one goes to a big city and leave them alone and how we can inspire the young generation in farming.
Where did you find this story for this film?
I read about farmer's articles often from different sources. Being from the Bundelkhand region, I always wanted to show the farmer's deteriorating condition and their migration pain on the big screen. I observed the region and farmer situation closely and came up with an idea and storyline for this film.
What were the challenges you faced in making the film?
Being the first film, It was a Big Impossible task for me to make a film. I had no funds to make a film. I requested funds from my family and friends and saved my all income for 3 years. I bought all the necessary gear to make films. Convincing the cast and crew for doing a film free or low budget was a big task. Also, I shot the entire film in two sessions, Winter and Summer. Once I shot the entire film, I had no money remaining for post-production. I again worked and deposited money for film completion.
Did you face any problems in releasing the film?
Definitely. Having no known face was a major issue. I spoke with many distributors for outrights or releasing the film but I got no success.
What was your background before making your first film?
I hail from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. I completed my Bachelor of Engineering (IT) from SATI, Vidisha. I was a software engineer in Pune and was working for an MNC but I was more inclined to Film Making. My passion for film, made me leave my job and joined a Film Making Institute in Pune, Seamless Education. After working with several National Television, I got experienced and confidence to make my own feature film.
How do you think filmmakers like you can overcome common challenges like finance and distribution? Finance and distribution are like a nightmare for new filmmakers. New filmmakers have innovative ideas, good stories, a good team but no finance and selling plan. The real issue is Nobody believes in you until you make your first feature film. All the big production houses prefer star value rather than good content. According to me, New filmmaker must believe in their vision and discuss the film for fundraising. Also, I would suggest casting at least one known face in the film so it gets easy to distribute or sell your film later. Any other interesting facts about this film that you may like to cover.
Well, I can't forget my family and friend's participation during the making of this film. My crew stayed at my home and my family cooked for all crew members. It was very interesting to see the happiness in their eyes while cooking or serving food to the crew.
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Vishal Mourya & Debi Prasad Lenka
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