Reema Kagti - A force to be reckoned with

Reema Kagti’s filmography is marked by experimental and unconventional choices presented in a manner that is rooted yet mainstream. As her recent release Superboys of Malegaon continues to win hearts, let’s take a look at her creative journey so far! 

“The aim should be to make good films and not hit films". As a film enthusiast, one often comes across the aforementioned quote while watching interviews of celebrities and filmmakers. Interviews, where the film craftsmen go on and on about how they are committed to the art and that commercial prospects are the least of their concerns. While some do stay true to their idealistic statement, most of them fail and the recent deterioration of Bollywood content is a strong testament to it. Think of the recent films, web-series, or their sequels; one can see how commercials have been prioritized over the artistic aspects. It’s pretty evident that filmmakers are hesitating to explore or experiment with themes and are following a template formula in the name of, “yehi chalta hai” (This is what works).

Practically speaking they are not even to be blamed, after all, filmmaking is a business and the end goal of it is to earn profits. However, there are a few filmmakers who seem to have found the right balance between art and commerce, ones that present stories which are unconventional, non-pretentious yet entertaining.

Reema Kagti is one name that comes to mind when you think of such filmmakers. The powerhouse director, writer, and producer has carved a niche for herself with stories that are experimental in themes yet mainstream in its treatment, and with Superboys of Malegaon she has reiterated her commitment to continue doing so. The film was released last week and swept cinema lovers off their feet thanks to its rustic charm. Kagti’s penchant for blending realism with creativity was on total display in this tale of cinema-obsessed small town residents who start their filmmaking ecosystem of Bollywood spoofs. The film was a sound marriage of objectivity of a documentary and subjectivity of a feature film, thanks to Kagti’s directorial prowess and Varun Grover’s writing.  

Also Read: Superboys of Malegaon Review: A charming, earthy yet entertaining ode to Nasir Shaikh and his friends

One thing that Kagti has established with her filmography is her intent to take the road less travelled, exploring diverse themes, blending genres, and also addressing social issues at times. Kagti marked her arrival as a director with the 2007 comedy-drama Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited. The film was lauded for its refreshing take on the complexity of human relationships with the charming simplicity of everyday life. Kagti, who had also written the film, made sure the screenplay was peppy and the characters were quirky, however, the narration was layered without making it just another Bollywood comedy, asserting that she is a voice of freshness and originality, right from the onset!

Her next film,Talaash (2012), a suspense drama starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Rani Mukerji, was a gripping psychological thriller about a cop investigating a high-profile case while also battling his inner conflicts. Reema aced this one too with her layered writing and captivating screenplay that kept the audience guessing till the end and leaving them spellbound. The film was critically acclaimed and her ability to craft compelling characters and complex narratives with ease was realized by the fans and the critics. 

On the OTT front, Kagti roared with Dahaad, a brilliant police procedural, starring Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Varma, and Gulshan Deviah. The eight-episode series was clear-eyed yet refreshing. Just like any regular crime-thrillers, the story had a serial killer, investigations, and chase sans the whodunit. There was no major plot twist, the identity of the culprit was known, yet it managed to be a solid blend of social commentary and entertainment. Dahaad was a multi-layered thriller that pushed genre boundaries. Its compelling storytelling was elevated by Kagti’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to extract nuanced performances from her actors. 

Kagti’s association with Zoya Akhtar has been pivotal in producing a number of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara, Gully Boy, and series like Made in Heaven. With this collaboration and their production house, Tiger Baby Films, the celebrated duo has also promoted and provided a strong backing to fresh and exciting talent in the industry. 

To sum it all up, Kagti’s impressive resume is a telling of her unconventional choices, her ability to tackle diverse themes, and her commitment to pushing creative boundaries, making her a force to be reckoned with!

What are your thoughts on Reema Kagti's filmography? Tell us in the comments below! 

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