A Noteworthy Indie Kannada Film '1888' Garnering Attention at Festivals

The Kannada film '1888', which made its mark at numerous international film festivals, has recently received the Honorable Jury Mention at the 13th edition Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival. Despite its limited budget, this film managed to compete with big production house movies like Sita Ramam, Charlie 777, and Bhediya at the festival, showcasing its compelling storytelling and artistic merit.

Based on real-life incidents that occurred after the 2016 demonetization, '1888' is an enthralling thriller. Director Sourabh Shukla clarifies that the film does not delve into the politics of demonetization but rather examines its implications. It explores the effects on cryptocurrency and the methods people employed to convert black money into white. The story is enhanced by captivating characters, including an LIC agent from a middle-class background and an aspiring actress-turned-politician, whose paths intersect with significant consequences. Shot on a small budget using guerrilla filmmaking techniques, '1888' captures authenticity with its real locations. Despite garnering awards at prestigious festivals worldwide, the film faces challenges in securing an official release on OTT platforms or in theaters. Sourabh attributes this to the prevailing preference for big-budget productions, leaving independent films like '1888' struggling to find a platform for showcasing their work.