Sridhar Rangayan, who is currently enjoying the success of his latest venture, Kuch Sapney Apne, gets candid with the Pioneer sharing more insights around the project
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
With Kuch Sapney Apne, filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan once again delivers a deeply personal yet universally resonant story. The Indo-Swedish co-production, set to release on February 21, explores the complexities of love, trust, and acceptance—not just in queer relationships but in all human connections. Featuring acclaimed actors Shishir Sharma (Raazi, The Family Man) and Mona Ambegaonkar (Godmother, Evening Shadows), the film navigates themes of resilience, societal norms and personal aspirations.
Rangayan explains that the film’s international collaboration came about through the NFDC Film Bazaar Co-Production Market in 2023. While scouting for a location outside India to align with the script’s demand—where the lead character Kartik has a fleeting romance abroad—Sweden emerged as the ideal choice. “We had many friends there who generously supported us—offering their homes, offices and even a motorboat for shooting,” Rangayan shares, emphasising the warm and collaborative spirit that helped bring the film to life.
Known for crafting narratives that are both intimate and globally relevant, he believes in starting with a personal story and blending it with experiences from the world around him. “For mass audiences to enjoy a film, it has to be both personal and universal,” he says. His films have resonated not only in India but across the globe, from Serbia to Jamaica.
With Kuch Sapney Apne, which won the highest award at the Mysuru International Film Festival – the Best Indian Feature Film Award, the filmmaker wanted to move beyond conventional queer narratives. “It is 2025 and we are beyond stories of coming out and identity angst. It is time to delve into real issues head-on,” he asserts. At its core, the film conveys the message that love is love and that every relationship—regardless of gender or identity—comes with its own set of challenges.
The film seamlessly weaves personal emotions with broader societal issues, tackling topics like patriarchy, infidelity and transphobia. Rangayan explains that this balance was key to the storytelling: “Humans exist within society, and all our emotions are shaped by our interactions with it. But we shouldn’t be bogged down by societal pressures.”
He further describes Kuch Sapney Apne as a “complete family film” that integrates romance, drama, songs and humour while addressing real-life issues. “We aspired to create a mainstream film that appeals to the masses while staying true to its social message,” he adds.
For Rangayan and co-writer cum co-director Saagar Gupta, authenticity is paramount. They draw inspiration from real people, avoid exaggerated cinematic techniques, and focus on casting actors who truly embody their roles rather than relying on star power.
“We believe in creating scenes that reflect everyday life, carefully strung together to form a nuanced narrative,” he says. By keeping the storytelling raw and relatable, the film ensures that audiences remain engaged while absorbing its deeper themes.
While the film faced no creative challenges, securing funding and distribution was a struggle. Rangayan points out the paradox in the industry: “Everyone says ‘content is king,’ but few actually believe in it. Most chase big stars and major production houses.”
Despite these hurdles, the film was made possible through the support of 125 crowdfunding contributors and a few dedicated investors who believed in its vision. “Our hopes rest with those who still value good cinema—films that not only entertain but also hold a mirror to society,” he says.
Rangayan credits the film’s emotional depth to its talented cast. “We prioritise casting actors based on the character’s needs, not their celebrity status,” he explains. The team conducted workshops before shooting, ensuring that everyone was on the same page.
Having collaborated with actors Mona Ambegaonkar, Shishir Sharma and Abhay Kulkarni for over 25 years, Rangayan shares that the trust between them played a crucial role. “We knew they would deliver, and they always have,” he says.
Kuch Sapney Apne challenges societal norms while celebrating love and resilience. It is a story that dares to dream and dares to love—one that is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences. With a stellar cast, evocative storytelling, and a heartfelt message, the film promises to be a poignant addition to India’s evolving cinematic landscape.
