Mumba Devi Motion Pictures is set to premiere its new film “I’m Not an Actor” (“Main Actor Nahin Hoon”) at the 2025 Cinequest Film Festival in California this March. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Satarupa.
This Hindi and English drama, directed by Aditya Kripalani, tells the story of a frustrated actor in Mumbai who spends a day teaching acting to a retired banker in Frankfurt through video calls. The unique twist? The film was shot across both countries at the same time over 28 days. The actors performed live via video chat, navigating tricky weather and a 4.5-hour time difference.
Kripalani chose this method to showcase real-life video call experiences, aiming for an intense connection between the characters. He said, “When a conversation becomes intense on a video call, we often forget we’re on a screen. We wanted to create that feeling in our film.” His team operated in both Mumbai and Frankfurt simultaneously, capturing the raw interaction.
The film explores themes around labeling and understanding people. Kripalani shared, “Labels can simplify how we see others, but they can also create barriers. We often miss the deeper connection we share as humans.”
Siddiqui, who is also a producer, found the role intriguing. “Playing a banker who learns acting was a fresh and exciting idea for me. I hadn’t seen a script like this before,” he said. He appreciated how Kripalani delved into the craft of acting throughout the film.
Shooting live across two continents brought its challenges. Siddiqui mentioned the stark contrast between locations: “While I was shivering in 2 degrees in Frankfurt, the heat in Mumbai sometimes caused our cameras to overheat, forcing us to pause for hours.”
Satarupa, filming in the sweltering Mumbai heat, described the project as both challenging and rewarding. “Navigating the logistical hurdles while staying true to my character wasn’t easy,” she explained, highlighting the dedication needed to shoot in real locations, often working guerrilla-style.
After its premiere, the film plans to have screenings in Europe, the U.K., and Asia, as well as a limited release in India followed by a streaming offering. Ranjan Singh, known for “Kennedy,” is the associate producer.
This film adds to Mumba Devi Motion Pictures’ legacy of socially conscious storytelling, joining the ranks of their award-winning films like “Devi Aur Hero” and “Not Today.”
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I'm Not a Hero,Mumba Devi Motion Pictures,Nawazuddin Siddiqui
