“Kathakar Ki Diary” (The Story of Ordinary Lives), a film by IRS officer Anwesh, is generating significant buzz after a recent preview screening in Juhu, Mumbai. Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha lauded the film, drawing parallels to the works of legendary directors Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.
Anwesh, an Indian Revenue Service officer, meticulously crafted “Kathakar Ki Diary,” balancing his demanding day job with night-time film shoots. The completed film was showcased to a select audience at Sunny Super Sound, where it received widespread acclaim.
Shatrughan Sinha, who attended the screening with Poonam Sinha, praised “Kathakar Ki Diary” as “exceptional and of international standards.” He remarked, “Anwesh’s film gives me a special connection. It reminds me of my college days at FTII, where I learned and grew up watching such films. This film is of international standard.” Sinha further emphasised the film’s impressive quality despite its modest budget, stating, “Although Anwesh made this film on a low budget and with limited resources, it reminds me of Satyajit Ray (Manikda) and Mrinal Sen’s films. Watching the film took me back to the era when such technically sound and amazing films were made. Despite the limited budget, every character in the film is natural and realistic, and the director’s craft and love for cinema is evident on the screen.”
The preview also saw the presence of notable industry figures, including film director Sejal Shah, film producer Krishika Lulla, film director Sai Kabir, and trans activists Rekha Rao and Gauri Sawant. The film was widely appreciated for its distinctive style, technique, imaginative storytelling, depth, and boldness.
Director Sejal Shah, whose film “Costa” recently premiered, commented, “The film ‘Kathakar ki Diary’ is an extremely powerful film and has its own style of storytelling.” Renowned director Sai Kabir, known for films like “Revolver Rani” and “Tiku Weds Sheru,” described it as a “well-made film” that he thoroughly enjoyed. Trans activist Gauri Sawant expressed her admiration, calling it “meaningful cinema.”
“Kathakar Ki Diary” features Kapil Bhagwat, Yogesh Jadhav, Aarohi Chatterjee, and Daniel in pivotal roles. The film is directed by Anwesh and edited by National Award-winning editor Aseem Sinha, who has previously collaborated with acclaimed director Shyam Benegal.
