“Mere Desh ki Dharti is a very special movie; I would say it is one of those films that you want to see on the big screen” – Vaishali Sarwankar

Carnival Motion Pictures (CMP) is gearing up for the release of Mere Desh Ki Dharti. Starring Divyenndu Sharma, Anant Vidhaat, Rakesh Krushna Joshi and Anupriya Goenka in lead roles, the film is a humorous yet inspirational take on the lives and journey of young engineers Ajay and his friend Sameer from being abject urban failures to icons of rural India. Before the film releases, and looking at the current scenario created due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bollywood Hungama caught up with Vaishali Sarwankar, CEO & Director, Carnival Motion Pictures to understand what the film is about and also what the future holds for the film industry.

You come to Carnival Motion Pictures (CMP) with a well-read background, what are the challenges you face on your road ahead at CMP? 
This year has taught us lots of important things and being adaptive is one of those, which was delayed for the unforeseen circumstances but when it comes to challenges; I would choose to talk about the challenge that we've given ourselves. I'm sure every job and every opportunity comes with its own set of ups and downs. It's the difficult things that make it interesting, and we will, of course, get through it as a team but right now we are more focused on our goals. The idea is to make more audience centric movies which speak about issues relevant to the them. Things that actually happen in real life, the stories of an average Indian man and woman. We want to focus more on getting their stories to the big screens. Something from the heart, something more honest. That's our vision or you can call it a goal we have set for ourselves. That’s one challenge that I'm really looking forward to.

Given the current scenario (Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown), the film industry is facing tough time in terms of production and exhibition, what do you think the future holds? 
Things will surely get back to normal sooner rather than later, I am optimistic about that. Yes, there are quite a few hindrances on the way, in terms of production, exhibition, shooting, amongst other things. But I believe that we would prevail no matter what. People around the world have come together and are finding ways to get out of our current situation, things are going to bounce back. There are going to be some changes in the way we did things. The future has always been a mystery. We do like planning things so we've already started planning for 2021. I like having a positive outlook on things and I think the future is going to be brighter for all of us as we are more prepared for the worst. There will be many opportunities that will open up post everything gets back to normal.

With OTT platforms acquiring new releases to premiere each passing week, will we see a decline in theatrical releases, and how will that affect overall industry revenue? 
Honestly, the silver screen is magical, glamorous and eventful. Movies don't just play, they come alive on the theatre screen. While OTT has been a great source of entertainment, being stuck inside & all, they have engaged and entertained us all. However, I don't think that will impact people’s love for theatres. Movie dates, anniversary, birthdays or just a catching up with friends, theatres have been a part of so many occasions, it is a feeling for celebration.

Coming to Mere Desh Ki Dharti., what about the film resonated with CMP, and what according to you are the film’s highlights and prospects? 
MDKD is a very special movie for us. I would say it is one of those movies that I always wanted to see on the big screen. We do not have many movies that cover the particular subject that we have highlighted in our movie Mere Desh Ki Dharti. If I had to share the highlights of this film, it would be ''how different issues interconnect'.' One thing leads to another, and how you can make things work in your favour.

Looking at the ever changing market and trends, what is your analysis and understanding of the future of film production? 
"Content is a king", everyone knows that. So long as you make good movies, the future should be fine. A good story and apt cast, means good future for film production. Everyone is being cautious, no one wants to risk safety. So while things on the production front might be slower than the usual, it does not seem like a grim future.