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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Varun Grover's short film Kiss turns cinema into a mirror for introspection
Directorial debuts are special, where you have an artist finally getting a chance to say something close and important to them as a person. That Kiss is lyricist and writer Varun Grover's first film (he made this before All India Rank) informs the viewer of the subject matter that has mattered to him at some point. (Also read: All India Rank movie review: Varun Grover makes a tender, crowd-pleasing directorial debut) The titular kiss here is between two men. At first, we only hear the sound of the sloppy lips against one another. This is unnecessary, as per the members of the censor board (Shubhrajyoti Barat and Swanand Kirkire). These two middle-aged men discuss with the young director Sam (Adarsh Gourav) about the point of keeping this scene. 'Kyu ka jawab koi artist kya dega, sir (Why will artists explain why)?' he asks. A post shared by MUBI India (@mubiindia) But there's a catch, as the three men rewatch the scene again to record how long this kiss lasts. For each one of them, the time stamp is different, ranging from 28 seconds to above 2 minutes. Why is this happening? Kiss then takes the opportunity to seek an answer to this very question, revealing how each one of them is bringing their own subjectivity into the way they observe, process, and express. Kiss is a film about censorship, which wants to interrogate the faces behind the regressive and draconian rules that curtail artistic expression. The ones which infantilise the audience with huge 'smoking kills' warnings and cutting scenes of films that are meant for adults. Kiss is also about cinema becoming a sort of medium for catharsis and introspection. We come to films with our own prejudices and opinions. The point is whether the darkness in the room allows us the space to unlearn and unpack some of those deep-seated notions of love and life. Packed within 15 minutes, Kiss pulsates with ideas and questions that might feel a little overpowering for its own sake, but the sincerity sticks. It is this sincerity and concern that makes Kiss stand out amid the disarray of the current crop of films that is being produced by the Hindi film industry at large. Take, for instance, the emergence of the hypermasculine figure in all his casual rage and unchecked violence. It is all in the service of rage, sidestepping nuance and empathy so casually. The man will kiss and the man will kill. That a short film like Kiss is about men making love is a step taken ahead, daring to ask (and yield) what might be the dichotomy after all. I have a feeling Varun Grover has more stories to tell. Kiss is available to watch on Mubi India.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Art has the profound ability to make us confront ourselves: Director Shubhrajyoti
There is a real-time energy between the actors and the audience in theatre. That connection is impossible to replicate in movies or OTT Shubhrajyoti Barat Just watching a play is not enough; it's important for everyone to feel emotionally linked to the performance,' says director Shubhrajyoti Barat , who is bringing Saanp Seedhi , an adaptation of Anthony Shaffer's celebrated psychological thriller Sleuth , to Bengaluru. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a chat with Bangalore Times , he delves into the unique ability of art to confront audiences, how theatre acting enriched his directing skills, and more. Excerpts: 'Audiences resonating with the play is rewarding for the director' Speaking about art's capacity for introspection and connection, the director explains, 'Art has a unique ability to confront us, to make us reflect on our moral compass, our vices, and our inner selves. The aim of any production is to allow people to identify with the characters' struggles and find something that resonates with their own lives. If they do, I think, as a director, I've achieved something meaningful.' 'Acting shaped my approach to directing' Having established himself as an actor in film and OTT projects like Article 15, Saina, Mirzapur , and Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper , Shubhrajyoti later turned his attention to theatre direction . He shares, 'Acting has shaped my approach to directing. I know what it's like to stand in front of a crowd, and I want to make sure every actor on stage feels empowered and seen. My acting experience in theatre has been invaluable. When you're acting, you're also aware of the design, the lights, and the set; you're never just an actor. You understand the entire process, which gives depth to your work. Acting in theatre has made me a more well-rounded director.' 'Bengaluru is full of talented theatre artistes' Speaking about Bengaluru's vibrant theatre scene, Shubhrajyoti, who has witnessed its evolution, says, 'Bengaluru is a melting pot of talented young theatre artistes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bright minds from academic fields, engineers, architects and researchers are venturing into theatre, leaving secure jobs. They're not here to impress but to express. The audiences, too, have evolved, enjoying plays in every language.'
