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M Cream
M Cream is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language road film written and directed by Agneya Singh. It follows the exploits of four rebellious friends who set out on a road trip in pursuit of a mythical drug. The film was screened at the Rhode Island International Film Festival where it received the Grand Prize for Best Feature Film.[1] PVR Pictures released M Cream in theatres across India on July 22, 2016.[2] The worldwide distribution rights were subsequently acquired by Netflix.[3] PlotFigs is the typical cynic who lurks in the expansive lawns of Delhi University. Entangled in a web of drugged out delirium, he’s the quintessential rebel. His world is thrown into disarray when his conservative parents begin to chalk out a strategy for his future. Things only become worse when a sudden scarcity of hash deprives Figs of his favourite pastime. Unable to cope with the situation, Figs joins forces with his best friend Maggie on a quest to attain M Cream, a mythical form of hash. They hastily devise a plan to trek to the far reaches of the Himalayas in pursuit of this goal. Maggie ropes in her boyfriend Niz, who’s purportedly headed to the hills on a photo assignment. Unbeknownst to Figs, the trio is joined by Jay, a close friend of Niz. Chaos ensues as the reckless travelers journey across the Himalayan expanse. The road trip results in a series of unexpected encounters that begin to unravel the myriad realities of rebellion. Difficult choices are made and uncomfortable sides are taken as Figs and the others begin to comprehend the mysterious ways of the world we live in.[4] Cast
ProductionDevelopment Singh is an alumnus of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Upon graduation, he returned to India and began conceptualizing the script for M Cream, his first feature film.[5] In conversation with Indo-Asian News Service, Singh commented:
Highlighting a departure from the traditional tropes of Bollywood storytelling, in an interview with NPR Singh observed:
The story of M Cream follows the exploits of four friends in search of a magical drug. Through this journey, the film explores various socio-political issues from a youth perspective.[7] A cast of theatre and film actors including Raaghav Chanana, Tom Alter, Ira Dubey, Imaad Shah, Auritra Ghosh and Barry John joined the project. The film was produced by Agniputra Films, a multi-media production house based in New Delhi, India. Hong Kong based sales agent All Rights Entertainment came on board to represent the project internationally.[8] FilmingM Cream was shot on location in New Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Most notably the filming took place in and around the Kullu and Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh including popular backpacking locales such as Kasol and Malana.[9] SoundtrackThe score for M Cream was composed by Studio Fuzz,[10] consisting of Srijan Mahajan, Arsh Sharma and Nikhil Malik. It features Indian classical singer Shubha Mudgal, Brazilian pop star Lili Rocha and French folk-rock group Moriarty.[11] Reception M Cream premiered at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in 2014 where it received the 'Best Feature Film' award.[12] The film traveled to several international festivals. Most notably, the film has been screened at Cork Film Festival, WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival[13][14] Internationales Filmfest Braunschweig[15][16] Indie Spirit Film Festival,[17] FilmColumbia Festival,[18] London Indian Film Festival,[19] New York Indian Film Festival,[20] Chicago South Asian Film Festival,[21] Seattle South Asian Film Festival,[22] Arizona International Film Festival,[23] Oakland International Film Festival[24] and Boston International Film Festival.[25] Laurence Kardish,[26] curator emeritus of MOMA, commented:
The film was released in India by PVR Pictures on 22 July 2016. Rohit Vats of Hindustan Times commented, "M Cream is a raw voice of an energetic director."[28] Mohar Basu of Times of India observed, "M Cream is incomprehensible in parts, poignant in others but it is mostly a pointless movie. Though brimming with raw energy, the narrative lacks vision to use it right."[29] Awards
Political and social issuesFocusing on a realistic appraisal of society and polity, M Cream touches upon several taboo subjects that are indicative of contemporary forms of rebellion. Most notably, the film has portrayed the widespread use of drugs among the youth. Speaking to India Today, Singh commented:
M Cream provides a socio-political commentary on modern India with an emphasis on understanding the role of rebellion in the ongoing struggle to affect change. In an interview with Indo-Asian News Service, Singh further stated:
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