In the vibrant city of Mumbai, often referred to as the “city of dreams,” nothing is quite as it appears. This enigmatic duality forms the beating heart of Sanjay Gupta’s upcoming film, Visfot, a desi adaptation of the Venezuelan film Rock, Paper, Scissors (2012). Set against the backdrop of the contrasting realities within Mumbai, Visfot seeks to explore themes of conflict and redemption.
Mumbai, with its undeniable contrasts of wealth and poverty, tradition and modernity, and ambition and despair, serves as the perfect setting for the story Gupta aims to tell. “Mumbai is not just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of the stories I want to tell. It’s a city of dreams but also of harsh realities. In Visfot, we continue my love affair with Mumbai, using the city’s gritty locales to the film’s themes of conflict and redemption,” Gupta expressed passionately.
The film’s cast adds an intriguing layer to the premise. Starring Riteish Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan, Visfot unfolds over a single day, following two men from starkly different backgrounds as their destinies intertwine. The casting decision is unusual but promising. Deshmukh, known primarily for his comedic roles, and Khan, returning to the screen after a 14-year hiatus, promise a compelling dynamic. Gupta’s enthusiasm is palpable as he speaks about working with Khan. “I am the biggest Feroz Khan fan, and Fardeen has his father’s screen presence. I was delighted to work with him on this project. When people watch the film, they will ask, ‘Why was this guy not around for a decade?’ He and Riteish bring a brilliant on-screen face-off,” Gupta enthused.
The director’s chair for Visfot is occupied by Kookie Gulati, who previously helmed The Big Bull (2021). Gupta’s admiration for Gulati’s work on The Big Bull led to this collaboration. “I was mighty impressed by The Big Bull and knew I wanted to work with him. Kookie has elevated the material with his incisive direction. I never needed to visit his set; he ran the show gloriously,” Gupta shared, highlighting his confidence in Gulati’s directorial capabilities.
Visfot is slated to have its premiere on the digital streaming platform JioCinema this week. The decision to forgo a theatrical release in favor of an OTT premiere raises questions in the current market.
. However, Gupta is unbothered by this decision. “The film was made for OTT from the word go. We cannot undermine the power of OTT. During the lockdown, we saw how the viewing patterns changed,” he explained, acknowledging the significant shift in content consumption brought about by the pandemic.
Nonetheless, the unpredictable nature of today’s film market poses significant challenges, especially for independent producers like Gupta. The volatility means that a movie’s success or failure can often feel like a roll of the dice. Gupta candidly discussed these difficulties. “It makes us feel alone. To be empowered to tell a story in its truest sense, you need immense logistical support. That becomes much harder in a shaky market. But this is also the time where passionate storytelling will take precedence,” he asserted.
The path to bringing Visfot to life is emblematic of the broader struggles indie filmmakers face today. From securing adequate funding to navigating the complex distribution channels, the journey is fraught with obstacles. Yet, Gupta remains steadfast in his belief that a strong narrative will always find its audience.
Independent films often grapple with limited budgets and resources, making every aspect of production more challenging. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. Yet, filmmakers like Gupta continue to push boundaries, driven by a passion for storytelling that transcends the commercial pressures of the industry. It is their resilience and creativity that continually redefine the cinematic landscape.
As Visfot prepares for its digital debut, it stands as a testament to the tenacity and vision of its creators. The film promises to deliver an intense, thought-provoking experience, anchored by the compelling performances of its lead actors and the evocative setting of Mumbai.
In this era where digital platforms have revolutionized content distribution, Gupta’s optimistic outlook is a beacon of hope for many independent filmmakers. The success of Visfot could very well inspire a new wave of indie projects, proving that with the right mix of passion and perseverance, compelling stories will always find their place in the limelight.
