Prateek Kuhad, the Indian singer-songwriter behind chart-topping hits like "Cold/Mess" and "Kasoor", is set to embark on a new journey as an actor. Kuhad will make his feature film debut in the upcoming movie "Drowning", directed by Dar Gai and produced by Marginal MediaWorks. This marks a significant step for Kuhad, who is known for his musical prowess rather than his acting abilities.
The film, shot on location in New Delhi, is a collaboration between Marginal MediaWorks, Los Angeles-based label D36, and Mumbai-based Jugaad Motion Pictures. Kuhad plays the role of Tarush, an indie musician in Delhi who experiences a sudden breakthrough, only to find himself entangled in the web of a criminal record label boss. The story is a unique blend of contemporary music and cinema, inspired by Kuhad's own song "Drown" and the Safdie brothers' style, with a touch of John Carney's "Once" and Lars von Trier's "Dancer in the Dark".
Kuhad's involvement in the project stems from his earlier collaboration with Gai, who directed the video for his song "Cold/Mess", which became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on Spotify India and featuring on Barack Obama's year-end playlist. The video's success led to it being named Rolling Stone's Music Video of the Year. Kuhad's recent album, "Full Moon Chamber", further solidified his global presence with sold-out tours across various continents.
Dar Gai, a Ukrainian native based in Mumbai, brings a unique perspective to the film. Her previous works include "Three and a Half", which streamed on Netflix worldwide after a successful festival run, and "Namdev Bhau: In Search of Silence", which played at prestigious film festivals. Gai's vision for "Drowning" is to capture the essence of life in the present day, blending reality, humor, tragedy, and chaos.
Abhi Kanakadandila, co-founder and CEO of D36, highlights the film's response to the gap between the region's music culture and the traditional Bollywood format. He believes that India has a unique relationship between music and cinema, and "Drowning" aims to bridge this gap by showcasing the contemporary music scene in Delhi. The film is part of Marginal MediaWorks' broader international slate, focusing on South Asia and its potential to resonate globally.
Marginal MediaWorks has already made a name for itself by producing over a dozen features in just over five years, including critically acclaimed titles like "The Rose: Come Back to Me", "Cypher", and the recently released horror film "Camp". With "Drowning", the company aims to further solidify its position in the industry and bring South Asian culture to the forefront of the global film scene.
