Pune/New York: In a powerful example of passion triumphing over resources, Kathakar Ki Diary, a low-budget film created by 2013-batch IRS officer Anwesh, has been officially selected for the International New York Film Festival (INYFF).
The film, crafted with a minuscule budget and no major production house backing, has been praised for its emotional depth and realistic storytelling – earning comparisons to legendary auteurs like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.
From GST to Cinema: A Civil Servant’s Dual Life
Currently serving as Joint Commissioner in the GST Department, Pune, Anwesh juggled his demanding government role while shooting the film across Mumbai, Pune, Odisha, and Jharkhand. With a tiny crew and a shoestring budget, Kathakar Ki Diary was made outside the traditional studio system, showcasing how artistic determination can overcome logistical odds.
Despite his 9-to-5 responsibilities, Mr Anwesh dedicated nights to post-production, editing sessions, and planning, bringing his vision to life without compromising his professional duties.
A Story of Ordinary People – Made by Extraordinary Effort
Kathakar Ki Diary (translated as The Story of Ordinary Lives) is a poignant tribute to the lives of common people, told through a deeply empathetic and realist lens. The film features over 200 local and theatre artists from Odisha, Mumbai, and Pune, making it a vibrant tapestry of India’s cultural diversity and grassroots talent.
An Award-Winning Team of Collaborators
Despite its low budget, the film attracted some of Indian cinema’s finest technicians. National Award-winning editor Aseem Sinha, known for his work with Shyam Benegal, was so moved by the script that he offered his editing expertise pro bono.
Other contributors include Krishna and Biswa Behura, alumni of FTII Pune, who played crucial roles in post-production, ensuring that the film met international technical standards.
Celebrity Endorsements and Critical Acclaim
Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, after attending a private screening in Mumbai, lauded the film as “an international-level amazing craft work with living and realistic characters.” He even compared Anwesh’s directorial finesse to that of masters like Ray and Sen, adding, “It reminded me of my FTII days.”
Other prominent names who appreciated the film include–
- Sejal Shah (Filmmaker)
- Krishika Lulla (Producer)
- Sai Kabir (Director)
- Rekha Rao (Social Activist)
- Gauri Sawant (Trans Rights Activist)
Cast and Performances that Resonate
The film stars–
- Kapil Bhagwat
- Yogesh Jadhav
- Baby Aarohi Chatterjee
- Ashlesha Sundermal
- Daniel Vincent
Their deeply human and honest performances have resonated with audiences in early previews and screenings.
Making Indian Indie Cinema Proud
The selection of Kathakar Ki Diary at INYFF is not just a milestone for Anwesh but a proud moment for independent Indian cinema. It proves that stories rooted in truth, when told with sincerity, can find a global audience – regardless of budget constraints or industry connections.
This film is also a powerful message to aspiring artists: creativity and collaboration can break barriers, and a passionate civil servant can wear the hat of a filmmaker without giving up either role.
