Backdrop preview Mehsampur backdrop
Mehsampur

Mehsampur (2018)

May 12, 2018 1h 38m Drama

A desperate filmmaker drives a neurotic actress and an aging musician to a village of trauma.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Kabir Singh Chowdhry

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Kabir Singh Chowdhry
Producer
  • Akshay Singh

Reviews

cleverashu
8/10

Imitiaz Ali's _Chamkila_ led me to hunt this down. Went in thinking this was a documentary on his life and death, and within like 5-10 mins you realise it's not. Sure enough, sites list this as either drama or docu-drama or docu-fiction or if you believe Google, it's drama/short. It's neither.

It has real-life characters playing a fictionalised act, and fictional characters chasing the ghosts of slain real-life people. The legend or the ghosts these characters are after are very larger than life and this has an impact on the film we watch as it gets into a very surreal territory at most times, blending what is real and unreal... And as if it was predestined to, the film eventually mutates itself into a ghost story of its own. And this is just a tiny bit of many experiments this film has.

As if mirroring the legend himself, the film is as raunchy as it needs to be, as mad as it can dare to be. And dare it does.

Apr 28, 2024

Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Mehsampur examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Kabir Singh Chowdhry brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Mehsampur took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Mehsampur shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Mera Lahoo, which focuses more on action than character development, Mehsampur offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Hawaa Hawaai and Trust explore similar territory, Mehsampur stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 12, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 38m

Similar Movies

Hawaa Hawaai
Hawaa Hawaai
2014
7.3
Trust
Trust
2021
6.5
Love Sonia
Love Sonia
2018
7.6