In an exclusive chat with us, 'The Shameless' director Konstantin Bojanov spoke about the challenges of making the film. However, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap helped him put up the project.
Film director Konstantin Bojanov says Anurag Kashyap helped him put up his film, 'The Shameless'.
Mumbai,UPDATED: May 29, 2024 14:28 IST
'The Shameless' team, including director Konstantin Bojanov, has been flooded with calls and messages since their film was selected to be screened at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in the ‘Un-Certain Regard’ category. Adding to the accolades, lead actor Anasuya Sengupta also became the first Indian actor to win an award in the same category.
In an exclusive chat with IndiaToday.in, the director spoke about how making the film was a challenge, especially getting finances. However, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap came as a ray of hope, helping him put up the project.
“We faced scepticism and hence a lot of budget issues. We had to make 'The Shameless' on a shoestring budget. However, Anurag Kashyap was very helpful and open to the idea from the first go. I even stayed at his home when I was in Mumbai. He helped me all along, even with connections in the film industry,” Konstantin Bojanov said while talking about Anurag Kashyap.
Speaking about his friendship with Kashyap, the Bulgarian filmmaker shared, “We met when he had a film in Cannes, Ugly (2013), and a mutual friend introduced us. In just 15 minutes, we hit it off. I mentioned I would be in Mumbai a month later, and he said I could stay with him. He was then preparing to shoot Bombay Velvet in Sri Lanka.”
Konstantin added that Kashyap is extremely generous and supportive, particularly towards emerging filmmakers. He said, “He is an amazing filmmaker and a friend. When the press conference was happening, where they announced the selected films, he immediately texted me to congratulate.”
When asked about his familiarity with Indian films, the acclaimed director mentioned that he has been following ‘independent and parallel cinema’ closely.
“I have been following films selectively and have seen some remarkable work, and I hope there are more to come. I really liked the Marathi film 'Killa' and 'Newton'. I have also loved 'Sulemani Keeda' and found it hilarious. There’s another Marathi film, 'The Disciple' which I am looking forward to watching,” he noted.
Konstantin Bojanov also shared his admiration for Anurag Kashyap’s film 'Black Friday', which he watched during one of his trips to Mumbai. “Even Anurag hadn’t seen the film in 10 years, and we watched it together at his home. It has been one of my favourite films since then," the film director remarked.
Earlier, Konstantin Bojanov also praised 'The Shameless' actor Anasuya Sengupta as she won an award at Cannes 2024.
Published By:
Arushi Jain
Published On:
May 29, 2024
English (US) ·