HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, May 27: A short film ‘The Miniaturist of Junagadh’ starring Naseeruddin Shahin along with Rasika Dugal, Padmavati Rao, and Raj Arjun was released by Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films on Friday. The movie set in the 1947 princely state of Junagadh, tells the story of how the Partition compelled an old miniaturist artist, Husyn Naqqash played by Naseeruddin Shah, to sell his ancestral home in Western India and move to Pakistan.
This short film is adapted from Stefan Zweig’s short story, ‘The Invisible Collection. Though rooted in India’s difficult past, The Miniaturist of Junagadh speaks to the world of today – one ravaged by a multitude of religious and racist conflicts. After gaining recognition at various international film festivals, the short film has also won many accolades in India. It won the Best Film award at Imagine India Film Festival award and Best Short Film and Best Director at Smita Patil International Film Festival.
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Talking about the film, actor Naseeruddin Shah said, “It’s important to talk about the impact of Partition on ordinary human beings and the indelible scars it has left behind. Husyn’s Character was aptly written and I could instantly embody it.”
Actor Rasika Dugal added, “Kaushal has written a story that is gentle yet riveting. It’s hard to find this balance in storytelling. The attention to detail in the film appealed to me, as did the opportunity to work with my teacher, Mr. Naseeruddin Shah. After short films Chutney and The School Bag, this film is my third outing with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large short films. It has always been a great platform to take such extraordinary stories to a wide audience.”
Talking about the film, its creator, Kaushal Oza commented, “The film talks of the lost values and lost art of a bygone era in a way that is relevant to today’s time. This compelling story of a passionate artist who responds to losing his home and nation with a note of hope and reconciliation will resonate with the audiences of the present day. I have enjoyed the films on Large Short Films as an audience and am glad that this film which has been much acclaimed internationally will reach out to the widest possible audience in India and abroad through Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films.”
