The Srinagar film director enlists actors Salonie Patel and Gauri Batra to portray friendship in a time of endless conflict
Gauri Batra (left) and Salonie Patel play lead roles in Danish Renzu's new short film 'The Good News.'
Filmmaker Danish Renzu explores friendship and identity in the strife-torn valley of Kashmir in his latest short film The Good News, whose teaser trailer is out now.
The 10-minute story has Salonie Patel and Gauri Batra in the lead roles as friends, and it will premiere in full at London’s Tongues on Fire UK Asian Film Festival. Writer and director Renzu has also enlisted it in the short-film competition at the event, which takes place on May 9th at Watermans Arts Centre.
Produced by Naveen Kumar Arora and co-produced by Kashmiri lyricist and writer Sunayana Kachroo, The Good News is described as a “relevant” film by Renzu. The filmmaker behind feature-length works such as The Illegal (2019) and Half Widow (2017) says in his statement, “It showcases the plight and sacrifice of Kashmiri people, affected by the ongoing conflict from all sides. With the recent numerous tragic minority attacks in the Valley, the question remains the same: How does one justify such brutal killings of innocent human lives on the basis of religion, or even as simply as on the basis of what they wear? It’s sheer death of humanity and unacceptable. The dividing forces in the Valley are trying to upend the peace and pure Sufi Kashmiri culture.”
While there’s the very real and politically charged topic of Kashmiri Hindu and Muslims at the center of The Good News, Renzu treats the subject with empathy and through the lens of a long-standing friendship that stands threatened. “The film doesn’t solely focus on the political aspect, but delves deeper into the human condition and narratives of ordinary people who are impacted the most,” he says.
Visually, Renzu guides director of photography Rakesh Jagdeesh to capture daily life in Srinagar, albeit under the ghostly shadow of deserted areas. Batra plays Tara Bhat, while Patel portrays the role of Haleema Sheikh, and the on-screen pair have an endearing 20-year friendship between them. Patel describes The Good News as a film about “friendship, love and Kashmir.” Batra adds in her statement, “The Good News is a heartfelt story of two friends, portraying the eternal belongingness between them in the most kind and pure form regardless of the societal division. The beauty of Kashmir adds so much volume to this short story. [I’m] hoping for it to touch people’s hearts and bring a ray of hope.”
Watch the teaser for ‘The Good News’ below.
Watch the teaser for ‘The Good News’ below.
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