Filmmaker Ritwik Pareek’s humorous mystery satire dug dug It is set to release in Indian theaters on May 8 after receiving wide appreciation at international film festivals. The film is now backed by filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Nikkhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane and Vasan Bala, who have come on board as executive producers ahead of its release in India.
Anurag Kashyap, Nikhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vasan Bala backed Dug Dug to release in India on May 8
Inspired by true events, dug dug A strange incident has happened in a village where a dead man’s motorcycle has started being worshiped as locals believe that it can fulfill wishes if devotees pray to it and offer liquor. As reports of wishes coming true spread, this belief gradually turns into a fully commercialized religion.
The feature is produced by Bottle Rocket Pictures, led by Prerna Pareek and Ritwik Pareek, and will be released theatrically in India in association with Ranjan Singh’s Flip Films.
Talking about the film, Anurag Kashyap said, “I was surprised dug dugIts story, cinematography and music. It was like a visual excitement. I am shocked by the fact that this film was not released in theatres. This helped all four of us including Ranjan to get rid of it. Fingers crossed it will get the same love.
Vikramaditya Motwane described it as one of the strongest starts ever, saying, “dug dug A brilliant and genuine Indian story about our society and our belief systems. Ritwik has told this with utmost irreverence and humour. I hope the film will reach a wide audience.
Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2021, the film traveled to multiple international platforms including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and International Film Festival of Kerala.
Nikhil Advani described the film as “as authentic and real an Indian film can be”, and said that Ritwik Pareek’s approach to storytelling was the best for him. “His tendency to take a simple story and tell it in a practical and yet humorous way is what impressed me the most. I think the audience will love it as much as I did.”
Sharing his reaction on the film, Vasan Bala said, “There is nothing absurd in Ritwik dug dugIf anything, it’s the world as he sees it, not as he believes it could be. I am completely mesmerized by its narration and visualization. Hope to see more of his glory in cinema.
The film stars Altaf Khan, Gaurav Soni, Yogendra Singh and Durga Lal Saini in lead roles.
Reflecting on the theatrical release, Ritwik Pareek said dug dug Is meant to be experienced on the big screen. “We’ve waited for this for a long time and it’s finally happening. Not just happening, but happening with Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Nikkhil Advani and Vasan Bala coming on board, filmmakers I grew up watching and learning from, which makes it very special to me. I’m grateful for all the support they’ve been giving and am forever grateful.”
