Kanu Behl’s new film Agra is not for the faint-hearted. If Titli, Behl’s debut feature, was an unsettling exploration of a dysfunctional family, Agra fearlessly goes deep down the rabbit hole.
With its ongoing clashes between modernity and traditionalism, and its male population exposed to imagery from sexually permissive societies while facing restrictions in the real world, India, more than any other place on the planet, must see this film.
Six shows. Six house fulls.
So many people writing in, speaking about their connection to the film. Guru might be difficult, unlikeable even, but he has a story to tell. And it’s our story.
Our short ‘Binnu Ka Sapna’ is the only Indian film this year In-Competition at the Mecca of shorts, the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival. Big hug to everyone part of the film 😊
What an absolutely beautiful, charming, gorgeous film. Made me smile, laugh and then some! Such a warm, sensitive, generous performance
@ShahanaGoswami
. Congratulations to you and the whole crew.
My new favourite film for a while!
After winning the Student Jury Prize at Clermont Ferrand and Best Short at Jagran Fest, ‘Binnu Ka Sapna’ out on MUBI India today! Available for the next 30 days. Do watch and spread the word.
Wow! The single most dedicated, courageous, visionary person @ NFDC whose unflinching work ethic lead to initiatives like Film Bazaar, Screenwriter's Lab, The WIP Lab; all of which bore fruit under her leadership! Dystopia is here.
In Agra, Behl once again introduces us to a dysfunctional family living in a cramped space, and layers it with the mental state and sexual frustrations of his protagonist Guru (Mohit Agarwal).
Three shows. Three full houses!
Watching everyone see ‘Agra’ riveted and respond to it in such a visceral fashion was a reinstatement of my faith as a filmmaker. A little speechless.
Still two more shows to go on the 3rd and 4th. Please come and see.
What an absoulte privilege!
After Cannes, Busan, IFFM, SXSW Sydney, Mostra Brazil and MAMI, ‘Agra’ now premieres in the International Competition section at the prestigious International film festival of Kerela!
Agra has scenes that are dramatic and centre on violence inflicted on self and others. Behl holds a tight rein on the flow of the narrative. He delivers pertinent social commentary pretty much like he did in Titli, and with as much power and precision.
“Agra” is a truly surprising film from India that combines the intensely erotic with the thriller and the pointed social critique, in a delirious package that keeps you glued to the screen for the whole of its 132 minutes.
South American Premiere alert!
After Cannes, Busan, IFFM, SXSW Sydney, ‘Agra’ now premieres in the New Director’s Competition at the prestigious São Paulo International film Festival.
Bollywood film awards are not an appreciation of creativity, but a negotiation. Will you dance for me on stage if I give you an award? Terrific fearless expose by a journalist once in charge. Must read.
In a world where culture has been ravaged by capitalism and assembly-line streaming “content”, this remains the promise of the European arthouse picture: movies governed by curiosity and artistry rather than data. It’s the least audiences deserve.