Jul 27 2024 to Jul 27 2024 6 p.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Kannada, English, Manipuri with English Subtitles | 125 minutes | Suitable for 14+ years

Prateek Prajosh’s debut feature as director, ‘Chilli Chicken’ is a thought-provoking Kannada film that attempts an authentic portrayal of Northeast Indian migrant workers navigating life in urban Bengaluru.

Following the screening, the director and team will be in conversation with Laishram Romal Singh as they explore the film’s themes of identity, discrimination, and cultural integration. This event is part of our ‘Meet the Maker’ series and will be an evening of cinema and conversation, shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of migrant workers in India’s bustling cities.

Synopsis

Five migrant workers from the North East – Ajoy, Khaba, Jason, Jimpa and Ranjoy (Ajoy’s cousin) – find themselves in the heart of Bengaluru, working for Adarsh, a second-grade restaurant owner of ‘Noodle Home’, who aspires to open a fine dining restaurant, Noodle Palace, one day. His ambitious yet delusional plans take a turn for the worse when his most promising employee, Ajay, dies under mysterious circumstances on the restaurant premises, leaving each one of the boys guilt-ridden, unsure of the events that transpired and uncertain of what the future holds. With a suspicious Ranjoy keen on uncovering the mystery surrounding his cousin’s death and a cash-strapped Adarsh re-evaluating options to open his new restaurant, the rest are forced to fend for themselves and safeguard their own survival. How does Adarsh navigate through the tricky state of affairs while his boys combat racism, abuse and numerous other problems?

About the Film In “Chilli Chicken,” the narrative is deeply enriched by characters hailing from Assam and Manipur, bringing to the screen an authentic portrayal that delves into the cultural wealth and unique societal challenges faced by these communities in urban India. These Northeastern protagonists not only add layers of complexity to the story with their diverse backgrounds but also highlight pressing issues like racial discrimination and identity struggles. Central to the film’s plot and social critique, their individual and collective experiences offer a nuanced perspective that is as enlightening as it is engaging. Their representation in the film transcends mere entertainment; it educates and builds bridges, challenging entrenched stereotypes. By sharing their journey, “Chilli Chicken” becomes a potent vehicle for promoting understanding and inclusivity, and celebrates the stories of Assam and Manipur, fostering a richer cultural dialogue within the cinematic landscape.

Credits:

Director: Prateek Prajosh

Writer: KAS & Prateek Prajosh

Music director: Siddhanth Sundar

Cast: Shrunga BV

Bijou Thaangjam

Rini Nithyashri

Victor Thoudam

Jimpa Bhutia

Speakers

Prateek Prajosh Director

Born in Kerala and brought up in the Middle East, Prateek Prajosh formally completed his bachelors in finance (B.Com.) and MBA before pursuing filmmaking at VFS (Vancouver Film School), Canada. He then started directing award-winning documentaries, short films in multiple languages, popular web series and feature films. He has also been a creative producer at Viacom 18 Studios, Mumbai, where he oversaw big budget, smash hit commercial successes including Padmaavat and Andhadhun, to name a few. Prateek has recently completed his directorial debut feature film in Kannada titled ‘Chilli chicken’, which released theatrically across Karnataka and USA to overwhelming critical reception. The film is currently running in the state of Manipur.

Shrunga BV Actor

Shrunga is a theatre and film actor and a puppeteer in training. He has acted in many acclaimed Kannada feature films. Having trained under various reputed theatre directors across India, he has worked with theatre companies in India and Germany. He won the best actor award at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) 2019. He played the lead in “Harikatha Prasanga”, a feature which won the best film at the Indian competition at BIFFES 2017 and Jaffna International Festival. He played the lead in “19.20.21”, a critically acclaimed feature that won the special jury award at BIFFES 2023. The film has also been nominated in many categories at the Filmfare South.

Laishram Romal Michael Singh Writer, Editor & Activist

37-year-old, out-and-proud writer/editor; stylist; diversity and inclusion trainer; activist and journalist — Romal is from Bangalore and dabbles in theatre, dance and music. He is also well-known as an LGBTQIA+ activist and is the founder of QAM(I) – The Queer Arts Movement, India; and Rainbow Kitty — a public funding initiative for the LGBTQIA+ community; while he volunteers actively with Solidarity Foundation — an LGBTQIA+ foundation that focuses on marginalized trans-communities; and with CSMR, Bangalore. He has also been a lifestyle journalist for over a decade with 15+ years of experience in the fields of lifestyle reportage and publishing and continues to write for many publications. He has previously worked with Arvind Limited – Ahmedabad and Bangalore; HRLN (Human Rights Law Network) — Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore; CRY (Child Rights and You) — Mumbai; Queer-Ink — Mumbai; Bangalore Mirror — Bangalore; Ritz — Chennai; DNA — Mumbai and Bangalore; Times of India — Bangalore; News9 — Bangalore; and Mid-Day — Bangalore and Mumbai, among several other stints at diverse media establishments. His last stint was as the Editor-in-Chief at Provoke Lifestyle (Magazine) — South India’s largest lifestyle and social causes magazine. He currently works as an Assistant Editor with Indulge, at the New Indian Express and heads the teams in Bangalore & Mumbai.