Iranian director Majidi feels real-life is missing in Indian films
Iranian director Majid Majidi decided to set his latest film "Beyond the Clouds" in Mumbai streets, which he believes, are full of incredible heroes trying to lead a life of dignity in the face of struggle. He has always been fascinated with Satyajit Ray's cinematic outlook and how his heroes come from everyday life, something that he feels is missing in Indian cinema today.
Satyajit Ray's films had always inspired Majidi
"Satyajit Ray's films had an effect on me. (They inspired me) to follow a certain interpretation of life. And (I would like) to influence the younger generation. In 'Pather Panchali', there is a respect that he has for his hero, even in the poverty," said Majidi "His heroes come from this class of society and they are trying for life," added Majidi.
What did Majidi say on Indian cinema and its stories?
"The streets and the alleys of Bombay are full of stories, something...you can't find anywhere else. I always wondered why we don't see such kind of stories in Indian cinema. Apart from Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, and Mira Nair, you rarely find these stories."
A dream come true to set his film in India
"Struggling people are my heroes. I am not glorifying poverty, it is bad. (But) I believe that a person has a lot of interior values that we do not see," Majidi adds. The Iranian director says it was a dream come true to set one of his films in India, which he believes, is culturally very close to Iran.
Always been curious to explore other cultures, people and beliefs
Majidi says he has always been curious to explore other cultures and people and believes one can learn something unique from those one encounters in life. He says he feels alive when he is on a film set, crafting his next story.
Beyond the Clouds is a film about finding hope
"Beyond the Clouds" is the story of Amir (Ishaan Khatter), who is on the run from the cops and finds his estranged sister Tara (Malavika Mohanan), who in a bid to protect her brother lands up in jail. Their entire lives have been clouded by despair but then they find hope, unexpectedly. Majidi wanted Indian faces for his film.
Majidi known for unique sensitivity in portraying day-to-day life
Majidi is known for his unique sensitivity in portraying day-to-day life which he imbues with beauty and empathy. His "Children of Heaven", which was remade in India, was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Language category.
