Anurag Kashyap-backed Marathi film Gadi to hit Dharamshala
Anurag Kashyap-backed Marathi psychological thriller Gadi to premiere at the 15th Dharamshala International Film Festival.
The upcoming edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is set to host a gripping new addition to Indian independent cinema. Gadi, a Marathi psychological thriller presented by renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, is scheduled to make its premiere later this month at the festival's 15th edition.
A Bold Debut for Rohan Pingal
The film marks the feature directorial debut of self-taught filmmaker Rohan Pingal. Demonstrating immense creative range, Pingal served as the writer, director, and cinematographer for the project. Produced by a team including Ranjan Singh, Anurag Kashyap, and Rajendra Pingal, the film is a collaboration between Amaze Production Film and Flip Films.
Visually striking, Gadi was shot primarily in black-and-white, capturing the raw essence of the Konkan region, Sangli, and the coastal stretches of Maharashtra. The cinematic choice enhances the film's heavy themes of human conditioning, grief, and the unsettling concept of free will.
The Haunting Narrative of Gadi
Set within a small Konkan hamlet, the story follows a grieving father who is thrust into a psychological crisis. As he navigates his loss, he is forced to confront a terrifying realization: the possibility that he possesses no free will at all.
The film features a strong ensemble cast, led by theater actor Raj Sane, with supporting performances by:
- Kishore Kadam
- Shirish Kulkarni
- Shabnam Nad
- Hadelin De Ponteves
The musical score is composed by Ankush Boradkar, with Ameya Tanavade serving as the executive producer.
Creative Freedom and Visionary Support
Rohan Pingal expressed his gratitude for the creative liberty granted by his mentors. Speaking on the film's philosophy, he noted that Gadi is designed to be felt rather than merely decoded, relying heavily on silences and unspoken emotions.
“I got full support from Anurag and Ranjan sir from the very beginning. They never asked us to simplify it or make it easier. That belief gave us the freedom to make the film exactly as we felt it,” said Rohan Pingal.
Anurag Kashyap, who discovered Pingal through his impressive visual pitches, praised the young filmmaker's unconventional methods. Kashyap highlighted how Pingal managed to create high-quality visuals independently, far from traditional VFX studios.
“In Gadi, his fresh approach challenges the filmmaking norms, and that’s why the film generates different kinds of response,” Kashyap remarked, expressing his curiosity regarding the audience's reaction at the festival.
Festival Details
The Dharamshala International Film Festival will run from October 29 to November 1, celebrating its milestone 15th year of showcasing diverse global and Indian cinema.