Noted film personalities are praising Raj More’s ‘Khisa’

The film ‘Khisa’, which has made its mark at many national and international film festivals, has captivated Bollywood stars along with M-Town. Commenting on a burning topic, ‘Khisa’ is directed by Raj Pritam More who graduated from the J J School of Arts, entered the field of directing through ‘Khisa’. Raj More’s journey from painter to film director, who took his film across the ocean in his first attempt without any background or experience in directing, is definitely interesting.

Raj More says about his journey, “Even when I enrolled in the J J School of Arts, I wanted to be a filmmaker. I started studying regional cinema while still in college. I had taken admission for the subject of photography with the intention of going to FTII. While doing this, I also had in mind to become a painter. Because Many used to say that my pictures were different from others. Ibrahim Alkazi, a former director of NSD, also wrote a letter to me looking at my work. That letter made me Concentrate on my painting but still I wanted to indulge in filmmaking. I passed the entrance exam to FTII but unfortunately missed the admission, because I opted to become a painter. After making a name for himself As a painter a filmmaker in me was trying to come out. So I started pursuing my dreams again and through that ‘Khisa’ was born. I understand that this short film is an extension of my painting.”

While commenting on his short film ‘Khisa’, he said, ‘My paintings tell the story of social and political developments in recent times, just as it depicts the surrounding situation. Even today, caste and religion are given special importance in the society. Overall we often comment on history. We have always used the teachings of our great men for our selfish needs and the story of ‘Khisa’ sheds light on this point.’

Khisa, while grabbing attention in various film festivals, celebrities in the film industry too have showered praises on Raj More. Renowned director Ravi Jadhav says, “Basically, I am a fan of Raj’s paintings and when I found out that Raj was making a short film, I watched this short film. It captures the details of the little things minutely.That’s when I told Raj that the short film would be a hit at many film festivals and that’s what happened.” Actor Kishor Kadam also congratulated ‘Khisa’. The background music, the photography, the location of the film are all apt to the short film, which is appreciable.

“As a teacher, I watched Raj’s short film and I couldn’t point out a mistake. Despite being a burning topic, it has been handled very delicately. The actors have also performed well. Filmed on a small camera and in natural light, the short film really deserves an award. Huge congratulations on making such a beautiful short film. The ideological, religious struggles of adults are brilliantly portrayed through the innocent eyes of children. This is a short film that teaches a lot. The child’s acting is amazing.  Keep making films like this.” In addition, many dignitaries including Adv Guru Ravi Deshpande, cinematographer Milind Jog, film critic Ashok Rane have praised ‘Khisa’.