Filmmaker Anusha Rizvi Discusses “The Great Shamsuddin Family”
Filmmaker’s Perspective on Delhi
Filmmaker Anusha Rizvi, known for her insightful storytelling, recently shared her thoughts on her latest film, The Great Shamsuddin Family. Capturing the essence of Delhi, the movie was filmed at a farmhouse in Chhatarpur, Delhi. Rizvi emphasized the challenge of encapsulating the vastness of Delhi in a single film, but she believes her film offers glimpses of the city through its sounds and visuals.
IMAGE: Filmmaker Anusha Rizvi with lead actor Kritika Kamra on the sets of The Great Shamsuddin Family. The film was shot in a farmhouse in Chhatarpur, Delhi. All Photographs: Courtesy of Anusha Rizvi.
Notable Performances
Rizvi praised Purab Kohli, who traveled from London to play a supporting role, describing him as generous and entertaining. She also highlighted Joyeeta Dutta, a former McKinsey employee, for her intelligent portrayal of a complex character, Latika. Shreya Dhanwanthary’s performance as Iram was also noted for its comedic brilliance, contrasting her previous intense roles.
IMAGE: Shreya Dhanwanthary plays a comic role as Iram.
Transition from Rural to Urban Themes
Rizvi’s previous film, Peepli [Live], focused on rural themes, while The Great Shamsuddin Family explores urban life. She expressed a desire to depict Delhi authentically, highlighting the city’s complexity beyond its stereotypical representations. She noted that many filmmakers struggle to portray Delhi accurately due to their lack of familiarity with the city.
A Relatable Indian Family
The film reflects universal themes within Indian families, challenging traditional portrayals of Muslim households. Rizvi emphasized the importance of depicting contemporary Muslim life, questioning why such portrayals are often outdated.
Word of Mouth Success
The Great Shamsuddin Family was released on JioHotstar with minimal publicity. Rizvi hopes the film’s success will grow through word of mouth, noting the platform’s advertising efforts during cricket matches.
IMAGE: Joyeeta Dutta, Anusha Rizvi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Anushka Bannerjee, Kritika Kamra, and Juhi Babbar Soni.
Behind the Scenes
Rizvi’s husband, Mahmood Farooqui, played a significant role as the film’s producer, handling production and funding. Rizvi also acknowledged the contributions of writers and publishers who allowed their books to be featured, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
IMAGE: Anusha and Shreya. ‘The cast was exceptional,’ says Anusha.
Future Projects
Rizvi, also involved in the Dastangoi Collective, continues to explore creative ventures. She has several scripts in development and is working on a documentary about Sidhu Moosewala. With the release of The Great Shamsuddin Family, she plans to resume her writing.
IMAGE: Anusha Rizvi at work.
Rizvi’s dedication to storytelling, whether through film or the revival of Dastangoi, remains unwavering as she seeks to bring authentic narratives to the forefront.
