Recently, we reported about Ritwik Pareek making his directorial debut with a film titled Dug Dug. A comedy-mystery satire, the film's trailer was unveiled last week, and it features actors such as Altaf Khan, Yogendra Singh, Durga Lal Saini, and Gaurav Soni. It also has filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vasan Bala, and Nikkhil Advani as presenters.
Dug Dug is slated for a May release in theatres. The film had its world premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, and it has been a long wait for its theatrical release. Ritwik recently opened up about the long journey with the film and about filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's support. Speaking to Mid-day, the first-time director said that he met Anurag Kashyap at an IFFK masterclass session from 2023.
"Anurag sir said, 'If you want to impress me, give me a Blu-ray of your film'. So, I gave it to him." While Anurag only watched the film at a Los Angeles screening, he immediately approached the debutant filmmaker. He revealed that Anurag "loved" the film, and every other presenter for it came onboard thanks to the Black Friday filmmaker. He also shared a precious advice he received from the Gangs of Wasseypur director: 'When you finish a film, proceed to the next project.'
Anurag is known for supporting young filmmakers and actors, as evidenced by what Kennedy actor Aamir Dalvi recently told CE.
Coming back to Dug Dug, in the film, after the death of a bike owner, people believe that the vehicle has the owner's spirit and even grants wishes as long as they pray to it while presenting it with alcohol. With word about it spreading and prayers starting to get 'answered,' people's belief for the bike and its powers pave the way for a commercialised religion.
A co-produced venture between Ritwik and Prerna Pareek of Bottle Rocket Pictures, in association with Flip Films of Ranjan Singh, Dug Dug will hit theatres in India on May 08, Friday.
