'Joram' starring Manoj Bajpayee to be screened at Sydney Film Festival 2023

This year, the Sydney Film Festival will screen the Indian film 'Joram'. In this survival thriller, father and daughter relationships are explored along with many aspects of society and politics. Listen to Devashish Makhija, an award-winning Indian director, discuss social inequalities, particularly towards tribal communities.

Still from Manoj Bajpayee starrer film Joram Source: Supplied / punit reddy / Sydney Film Festival

‘Joram’ is about a tribal migrant worker ‘Basru’ (Manoj Bajpayee) in Mumbai city who is running away with his daughter from his haunting past.

The story unfolds back and forth, immersing the audience in the plight of a father facing loneliness, displacement from his tribe, power play, deforestation and a struggle to balance the right and wrong.

A still from the film 'Joram' Credit: Supplied / punit reddy / Sydney Film Festival

Minimal dialogues pave the way for dialogues on sociopolitical structure with subtle touches like a moving shot of 'a writing on the wall'.

I have been interested in social inequalities in the system since I was a child, and I have spent time with tribal communities to gain a better understanding of their situation.

Film director Devashish Makhija

A still from the film 'Joram' Credit: Supplied / punit reddy / Sydney Film Festival

Mr Makhija has shared his passion for real stories and says it is the right time to tell such stories.

There is now a shift in viewers. It has made the audience more open to watching real life unfold before them with all its scars and frailties.

Devashish Mukhija, Director film 'Joram'

Devashish Makhija – Film Director Credit: Supplied/ punit reddy/ Sydney Film Festival

Mr Makhija has previously worked with Anurag Kashyap (on 'Black Friday') and Shaad Ali (on Bunti Aur Babli).

In his opinion, his experiences in two genres of films have contributed to the development of his creative style.

He admits, however, to being more influenced by Aditya Chopra's style.

“My cinema thrives on bridging the elements of artistic and mainstream cinema," said Mr Makhija.

This year's Sydney Film Festival will also feature other Indian films including 'Kennedy' (directed by Anurag Kashyap), and 'The Winter Within' (directed by Aamir Bashir).

More than 200 films will be screened during the 70th edition of the festival, which runs from 7–18 June.

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