For the first time, a film created by artists from Udaipur has been chosen for the Kolkata International Film Festival 2023, organized by the Government of India in Kolkata. This film has been selected in the Indian Language category, making it the sole film picked from the entire state this year. The film, titled "A boy who dreamt of electricity" is crafted in the Mewari and Rajasthani local languages. It has a duration of 80 minutes. It is noteworthy that this film receives nominations from global entries at the festival.

Centered on the lives of nomadic families in the tribal regions of Mewar, this film illuminates a sector of society that continues to endure life without electricity even today. It portrays the challenges faced by an 18-year-old boy in his quest to bring electricity to his home. Jigar Mandanlal Nagda serves as the director of this film, with Kunal Mehta in the lead role. Both hail from the city of Udaipur. This movie signifies Kunal's first venture as a lead actor, while for Jigar Nagda, it is his second film.

Director Nagda shared that during his journey across India with a one-rupee coin, he discovered that even today, there are communities living without electricity. In remote mountains, the government is grappling with the challenge of providing electricity to their homes. The film was shot over a period of one and a half months, primarily in and around Udaipur city, including areas like Rayta and Alsigarh. Artists from Mewar played crucial roles in the film, and the music was composed by professional folk musicians from Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bikaner. The festival is scheduled to take place from December 5 to December 12, 2023.

"A Boy Who Dreamt of Electricity" is a story inspired by my personal journey through India, where I embarked without any specific mission, simply seeking the joy of exploration. During this journey, I had the opportunity to stay in numerous remote villages nestled in challenging terrains. These communities were devoid of basic necessities such as water, roads, and electricity, yet they radiated happiness and contentment, never longing for the basic comforts of life. Electricity, in particular, remained a luxurious privilege beyond their reach. It was from their lives and experiences that the idea for my film took shape, compelling me to tell their story.” - Director

Source: Dainik Bhaskar