IFFI 2023: Gandhi Talks brings out the dichotomy of Gandhi, explains Vijay Sethupathi

Gandhi Talks, starring Arvind Swamy, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Vijay Sethupathi, is scheduled to be the first silent film played at the 23rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The festival is now taking place. The film was created by ZED Studios in collaboration with KYOORIUS and Movie Mill Entertainment.

AR Rahman, the Academy Award-winning music director, composed the film's musical composition. Marathi director Kishor P Belekar directed the dark comedy. Gandhi Talks explores a character's financial requirements and the profound effects they have on other people. 

During the interaction programme, Vijay Sethupathi said, "Film brings out the dichotomy between Gandhi on currency notes and the Gandhi whose ideals they wish to imbibe."

“Justice is different from reality. Initially, the protagonist reacts to Gandhi on the notes but later he starts reacting to Gandhi in his heart (Gandhi’s ideals). This is the dichotomy that the movie explores,” he said.

The film shows a young, unemployed graduate, Mahadev’s struggle to land a job through any means possible has him cross paths with a businessman and petty thief. 

When asked if it was difficult to act in a silent film, the actor stated that his acting is not impacted by the existence of dialogues and there is no reason why it should be.

“I expect the art form to bless us and to convince the audience. There is always a risk of success and failure in any kind of cinema. Living with butterflies in your stomach is part of the profession,” he said.

Talking to Variety, the film's director Kishore Pandurang said, " Silent film is not a gimmick. It is a form of storytelling. Conveying emotions by switching off the device of dialogue is not only scary but interesting and challenging."

The editor of Gandhi Talks is Ashish Mhatre, while the cinematographer is Karan B Rawat.