The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2023 witnessed the world premiere of Anshuman Jha's much-anticipated directorial debut, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli," on August 17th at the Hoyts Docklands. The film's premiere marked a significant highlight of the festival in the category, 'Centrepiece Spotlight Film' , captivating the audience with its unique storyline and cinematic excellence.
Jha, a versatile actor known for his thought-provoking roles, made his directorial debut with "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli." The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Rasika Dugal, Arjun Mathur, Marvel Girl Zoha Rahman, Paresh Pahuja, Tanmay Dhanania, and Star Wars actor Garrick Hagon, reflecting the filmmaker's dedication to assembling an exceptional team.
"Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" is a contemporary homage to the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, known for many cult classics such as "Vertigo", "Rear Window" and "Psycho," it pays tribute to his classic film "The Rope." The film's narrative intricacies and unexpected twists underscore Anshuman Jha's commitment to storytelling that captivates and surprises.
Jha, best known for featuring in "Love Sex Aur Dhoka and "Lakadbaggha", said he is thrilled to kickstart the festival run of his movie with IFFM2023.
“I thank the jury at IFFM 2023 for selecting us as the 'Centrepiece Spotlight film'. I am very grateful to my team (cast and crew) and Golden Ratio Films and Jetty Productions for their trust & support through this challenging but memorable experience," Jha said.
‘When I decide on making a film nothing can stop me that’s how I work. My brain doesn’t work on who says ‘no,’ but it works on what are the ‘yes’ possibilities’ - Anshuman Jha
Penned by accomplished writer Bikas Mishra, recognized for his work on "Chauranga," the film revolves around four individuals from the Asian diaspora in the UK. A casual dinner gathering takes an unexpected turn, setting off a series of events that blend intrigue and dark humor.
Anshuman Jha's unique approach to filmmaking shines in "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli," as it stands as the first Indian film entirely shot on a single camera lens of 35mm . This bold artistic choice not only enhances the film's visual cohesiveness but also offers viewers an experience akin to human vision.
‘ Jha had a very clear vision on the film and is not afraid to take risks as an artist’- Jean Marc Selva (French DOP)
As "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" embarks on its festival journey, it promises to captivate audiences globally. The film's combination of an engaging narrative, skillful direction, and a stellar ensemble cast positions it as a notable addition to the cinematic landscape.
By Tonee Sethi