ANTHOLOGY FILMS GAIN MOMENTUM ON THE WEB
Format that what attracts them to the up on this digital trend and Content creators, actors open binds several short films together with a similar theme
The first decade of the 21st century witnessed a bevy of films offering a cluster of stories tied together by a common theme. Films such as Darna Mana Hai (2003), Dus Kahaniyaan (2007), I Am (2010), among others, introduced the Indian audience to this new format of cinema, known as anthology films.
While these films failed to create a stir at the box office, the concept gradually moved to the web space, where it is gaining both traction and prominence.
Following the critical success of theatrical release, Bombay Talkies (2013), filmmakers Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee and Zoya Akhtar took a plunge and helmed Lust Stories (2018), that proved to be a trendsetter. Since last year, the OTT space has witnessed an array of anthology films such as Ghost Stories, Unpaused, Paava Kadaigal, Zindagi inShort (all 2020), Pitta Kathalu and Ajeeb Daastaans, which went on to win acclaim for their motifs and treatment.
Filmmaker Shashank Khaitan who directed Majnu in Ajeeb Daastaans agrees that the format has generated a conversation. “It’s interesting because you get a combination of at least four filmmakers together and then they’re able to bring in extraordinary actors too. And that’s a treat for the audience. Bringing many actors in a feature film might be difficult as one might not be able to justify their characters,” he says.
Going ahead, there is an impressive slate of anthology films lined up for release including Ray (based on Satyajit Ray’s stories), Feels Like Ishq and Aisa Waisa Pyaar (both themed on love). Tamil anthology film Navarasa is also in the making.
Actor Ali Fazal who’ll be seen in Ray, says, “It’s interesting because we can weave in different stories and characters in an anthology film. This is an interesting way to collaborate with amazing filmmakers and talents. As an audience, I like the common string that connects all stories together.”
Actor Divya Dutta who was seen in Zindagi inShort says anthology films are crisp and offer different takes on a single theme: “Isn’t it more fun to watch four distinctly different films made in four distinct styles than one? An anthology film is all about the magic of a short film being told in that much time with an equivalent way of storytelling as much as a feature. It’s nice to watch a bouquet of stories told from the perspectives of different people.”
Ridhima Lulla, chief content officer, Eros Group, producer of Aisa Waisa Pyaar feels that “limited storylines” inspire and connect more with the audience. She says, “It provides a greater variety of content to the viewers within their preferred genre. It presents an opportunity to watch their favourite celebrities in diverse roles.”
Ashish Saksena, COO – cinemas at BookMyShow, believes the format has picked up steam recently with newer content making its way through OTT services. “With growing access to and adoption of OTT platforms, such films have gained more visibility amongst diverse audiences as creators get more liberty to experiment with both narratives and form,” he signs off.
An anthology film is all about the magic of a short film being told in that much time with an equivalent way of storytelling as much as a feature. It’s nice to watch a bouquet of stories told from the perspectives of different people. DIVYA DUTTA Actor
It’s interesting because you get a combination of at least four filmmakers together and then they are able to bring in extraordinary actors too.
SHASHANK KHAITAN
Filmmaker