Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha broke fixed deposits to fund Girls Will Be Girls
Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who produced the critically acclaimed film Girls Will Be Girls, said that they broke their fixed deposits for the film.
The film starring Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi was recently released in India on Prime Video after screening at several international film festivals.
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, at a press event, spoke about financing their maiden production. The Heeramandi actor said, “We are all from a country that is famous for its jugaad (quick fix); its ability to figure out a way to get things done. Honestly, we asked for money from here and there, and even broke our FDs to fund Girls Will be Girls. But we managed.”
“For instance, this film was edited in France. It received a grant because of the core idea of the film,” the Masaan actor added.
For the unversed, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha launched their production house with the goal of supporting filmmakers struggling with financial limitations. Girls Will Be Girls marked their debut project, directed by Shuchi Talati.
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, earning two awards and widespread acclaim. Actors Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, and Aditi Rao Hydari praised the film after its OTT release.
An excerpt from the review read: “Preeti Panigrahi pulls through the performance of a lifetime as the teen undergoing internal struggle. The 22-year-old is pitch-perfect in her portrayal, which is so natural and spontaneous. Winning the Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival is no mean feat, so you can have an idea what a terrific performance hers might be.”
It continued, “Her exchanges with Kani Kasruti, a seasoned and one of the most nuanced actors, makes up for most of the film, but even otherwise, she brilliantly captures every body movement, from the slight flinch or disappointment to fear to excitement, with perfection. The camera hovers over her throughout the film, and she holds your attention, almost commanding it in most sequences.”
Girls Will Be Girls explores the challenges of adolescence and societal pressures through the story of 18-year-old Mira. The film follows her journey of rebellion and emotional struggles, intertwined with her mother’s own incomplete coming-of-age experiences.