Mahek

Mahek (Mahek Mirza ^[2])(2007) is an award winning Indian film by writer-director Kranti Kanade. It was produced by the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI). It is included in the University syllabus at the Otterbein University, Ohio, US as part of their "Modern India" studies.^[3] Mario Miranda has done the titles for this film.

Inspiration

It came from Kranti's own life. About the childhood he couldn't have. A pure lack of philosophical and spiritual input. Insensitive teachers and every kind of pressure to win and succeed. A child's uniqe not respected. He also wanted to document the socio-eco-cultural changes in India from a child's perspective. A growing gap between the rich and the poor in cities. He chose to tell a story of a girl because he always missed having a sister while growing up and this was his chance to have one.

Plot

This film is about the little girl Mahek who tries to find out her best ability and how she finds her writing and imagination talent. ^[4]She raises questions such as what will happen if dogs starts to talk and answers

Production

The shoot and post was done in Pune. Associate Director Matthias Schwelm from Germany handled the entire production. However, the search for the lead character delayed the shooting by three months. Finally Shreya Sharma (The Blue Umbrella) from Shimla fit the role. The gifted children cast didn't need to be directed at all and often the first take would be approved. Shot on 35mm, it had sync sound.

Crew

The entire crew was FTII alumnus who subsequently did noted work. Mrinal Desai, the DOP, was the second unit director of photography on Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire. Sound designer Anmol Bhave won National Award for award winning marathi films 'Gandha' and 'Gabhricha Paus'. Editor Suchitra Sathe also did 'Gabhricha Paus'. Music composer Mathieu Lamboley composed music in Paris. Sound mixing was done by Subir Das and Anup Dev.

Reception

It premiered at the London Film Festival to affectionate reviews. It was invited to over thirty film festivals worldwide including Chicago, Munich, Sprockets Toronto, St Louis, Cleveland, winning awards in Hollywood and Houston. It was nominated for the Best Children's Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Australia. It is included in the University syllabus at the Otterbein College, US as part of their India studies.

Reviews

Some reviews of Mahek include:

• British Film Institute - "An inspiring family film from India".
• Sprockets Toronto Film Festival - "The film celebrates imagination, self-confidence and perseverance."
• Maithili Rao, Frontline - "A rare combination of sensitivity and gentle humour."
• Rachel Dwyer, University of London - "Totally delightful."
• Cleveland Film Festival, USA -"Gem of a film."
• St Louis Film Festival, USA - "Beautifully filmed with a nice eye for color and very funny."
• Syracuse New Times, New York - "Certainly matches Truffaut’s cinematic spirit."

In the press

• Business Line - Cinematic Kranti! ^[5]
• Frontline - Reality and dreams: Review by Maithili Rao^[6]
• Hindustan Times - A philosopher and a filmmaker^[7]
• Outlook - A new filmmaker on the horizon^[8]
• Indian Express - Imagery of childhood^[9]
• Mahek's first screening in India^[10]
• Interview with Kranti Kanade^[11]
• Indian children's film win accolades in Houston^[12]

References