Rahul Roy, the Bollywood heartthrob from the 90s, is all set to make his comeback in the film industry with the upcoming Hindi film Agra, directed by Kanu Behl. The film will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, in the Director’s Fortnight section, making it the second Indian film to be selected after Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone.
Alongside Rahul, Agra stars Priyanka Bose, who was previously seen in the Oscar-nominated film Lion, newcomer Mohit Agarwal, and Ruhani Sharma. The film also features veteran actors Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha, and Aanchal Goswami in pivotal roles. Written by Kanu and Atika Chohan, Agra is an exploration of sexual dynamics within a family and delves into the deep dystopian fractures created in modern India, fast shrinking into pigeon-holed spaces.
Rahul shared his excitement about the film in a statement, saying, “I was so excited when I read the script of Agra because it spoke about things that had been knots within me for years. As we filmed it and I lived each day with my character, I burned and exhumed those knots, and the journey became a transformative experience. I’m so excited to share this special film with the world.” This film holds special significance for Rahul, who suffered a brain stroke in 2020 and will be making a comeback with Agra.
Kanu, who previously directed the critically acclaimed film Titli, says Agra has been a deeply personal and challenging exploration for him. “It is a deep dive into the inner entrails of desire and male sexual repression, and an attempt to understand the hoodoo,” he says. Kanu hopes that the film will open up conversations around sexuality and the ‘homes’ we choose to live in as it reaches a wider audience.
This is the director’s second film to premiere at Cannes; his debut film Titli premiered in the Un Certain Regard section in 2014. Agra is the only Indian film selected for the Directors’ Fortnight. The section highlights independent films from the world and is a free-spirited, non-competitive selection open to all festival goers. Cedric Kahn’s The Goldman’s Case is the opening film, while Hong Sang-soo’s In Our Day will close the section.
Agra was developed at PJLF Three Rivers residency program in Italy, with the prestigious ‘Cinema du Monde’ film fund backing it. It was also part of the FBR section of the Viewing Room at NFDC’s Film Bazaar in 2022. The film is produced by Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, and O28 Films. It is the only Indian film selected for the Directors’ Fortnight section, which highlights independent films from around the world and is a free-spirited, non-competitive selection open to all festival-goers.
Agra’s selection for the Cannes Film Festival is a significant milestone for the film industry in India. It signifies that Indian films are gaining recognition on the global stage and that filmmakers are pushing boundaries with their storytelling. It also puts a spotlight on the diverse and complex stories that are emerging from India, highlighting the country’s cultural richness and creative depth.
Beside Rahul, Agra also stars Priyanka Bose, who was seen in the Oscar-nominee Lion, newcomer Mohit Agarwal, and Ruhani Sharma. Veteran actors Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha and Aanchal Goswami also have key roles in the feature film. Written by Kanu and Atika Chohan, Agra is an exploration of sexual dynamics within a family. The film will look at the deep dystopian fractures created in a modern India fast shrinking into pigeon-holed spaces.
Overall, Agra promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging film that challenges our preconceived notions of desire, sexuality, and family dynamics. With Kanu Behl’s unique vision and Rahul Roy’s comeback performance, it is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
