American Desi Films

Though Bhargava is busy with Patang’s theatrical foray in the US,he finds time to promote a documentary,Kumaré,by an America-based fellow director of Indian origin,Vikram Gandhi. A New Jersey-raised New York University graduate,Gandhi sets out to expose new-age gurus by turning into a false guru for this documentary. The film releases in New York on June 20.

According to Bhargava,both the movies should work,as “American audience likes being drawn into a rich contemporary portrayal of India”,which is a vibrant alternative to mainstream Bollywood films.

“We have both admired each other’s resilience throughout last year. I don’t know how often two Indian American filmmakers release their work back-to-back in the West,but it will keep happening as the next generation of Indian filmmakers thrives,” says Gandhi. He won the audience award at the Southwest Film Festival and has been enjoying the international media’s attention. Interestingly,both directors have turned to India despite living in America. Bhargava wanted to make a film that captures the pride of a community. “The seeds for Patang were sown by the memories of my uncles duelling kites,” recalls the filmmaker.

He started working on the family drama after visiting Ahmedabad in 2005 during Uttarayan. He was conscious of the fact that,after growing up in Chicago and living in Brooklyn for 16 years,he had to let go of “the NRI point of view”. His efforts paid off when Patang had a world premiere at Berlin Film Festival this year. It then featured in Tribeca Film Festival’s competition section.

As an Indian American,Gandhi,admits to having two main cultural influences in his life. “When it comes to my personal stories,everything starts in India,” he says. In Kumaré,he adds an ‘é’ to his middle name Kumar and transforms himself into a Indian guru called Kumaré. At the height of his popularity,he unveils his true identity to a core group of disciples who are experiencing personal transformation.

Both Gandhi and Bhargava plan to release their movies in India. “It has taken some time for India to notice Kumaré,but I am excited to get it out there,” says Gandhi.