Udaipur : Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films today released its latest shorttitled “The Miniaturist of Junagadh” whichstars the legendary Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roleand Rasika Dugal, Padmavati Rao and Raj Arjun.Themovie is set in the 1947 princely state of Junagadh andtells the story of how the Partition compelled an old miniaturist artist, Husyn Naqqash played by Naseeruddin Shah, who has loses his eyesight having dedicated his life to his art, and his family to sell his ancestral home in Western India and move toPakistan. The beauty of the narration comes to fore when stoic and stone-hearted businessman,Kishorilal, the new homeowner played by Raj Arjun, goes through a character transformation as Husyn Naqqash’s family reveals a secret they have been harbouringfrom the Miniaturist maestro about his art collection.
This short film is adapted from Stefan Zweig’s short story, ‘The Invisible Collection’. Though rooted in India’s difficult past, The Miniaturist of Junagadh speaks to the world of today – one ravaged by multitude of religious and racist conflicts. This movieis both a lament and a prayer of hope, as in Husyn’s final act of bridging culturesand his poignant and hopeful note of returning one day to his beloved nation and house. After gaining recognition at various international film festivals,theshort film has alsowon many accolades in India. It has won the Best Film award at Imagine India Film Festival award and Best Short Film and Best Director at Smita Patil International Film Festival.
Talking about the film, actor Naseeruddin Shah says “It’s important to talk about the impact of Partition on ordinary human beings and the indelible scars it has left behind. Husyn’s Charcter was aptly written and I could instantly embody it.“
Actor Rasika Dugal says, “Kaushal has written a story that is gentle yet riveting. It’s hard to find this balance in storytelling. The attention to detail in the film appealed to me, as did the opportunity to work with my teacher, Mr. Naseeruddin Shah. After short films Chutney and The School Bag this film is my third outing with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large short films. It has always been a great platform to take such extraordinary stories to a wide audience.”
Talking about “The Miniaturist of Junagadh”, Kaushal Oza says, “The film talks of the lost values and lost art of a bygone era in a way that is relevant to today’s time. This compelling story of a passionate artist who responds to losing his home and nation with a note of hope and reconciliation will resonate with the audiences of the present day. I have enjoyed the films on Large Short Films as an audience and am glad that this film which has been much acclaimed internationally will reach out to the widest possible audience in India and abroad through Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films.”
