THE WAVE FOR INDIAN SHORT FILMS – CYRUS DASTUR

From his take on content quality of films to his take on overrated use of social media, Cyrus Dastur gave an overly critical, and yet optimistic voice to his views. His journey from theatre artist in college to founder of Asia’s largest short film company, makes his discourse valuable for all. 

Cyrus Dastur

Dastur, the founder of Shamiana, the short film company, is well known for being the prime force behind the short film movement witnessed in India around 2010. Being a theatre actor, director, and writer; his starrer alongside Tom Alter in “When God said CHEERS!”, is a classic. Archan Kundu was in conversation with him recently. 

STEPPING IN THEATRE 

Born and brought up in South Bombay, Dastur found his passion for stage early in college. Participating in various theatre competitions, he learnt various aspects of plays.” I did everything, from make up to costume design, set design and all” says Dastur. While sharing his own debut journey, he conveyed his disappointment over the new debutants who “only want to be a hero or a director on the very first work.” 

BEGINNING OF SHAMIANA 

With an “idea to make a platform for films of shorter format”, Cyrus Dastur, still a college student, began Shamiana in 2002. He states how he brought in a wave for short films and people got introduced to the genre. Essentially, Shamiana went on to become Asia’s largest short film company. 

CONTROVERSY OF “WHEN GOD SAID CHEERS!” 

He clarified the controversy revolving “When God said CHEERS!”. Many believed that the play was written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, while others thought it was Dastur himself. “After many people rejected the idea, Anurag thought the story was great, although in place of doing a play reading in English he offered to adapt it in Hindi” clarifies Cyrus. Dastur also went on to say how it was Anurag Kashyap who brought in Tom Alter as he himself was getting less time. At the end, Dastur himself had to direct it when Kashyap could not make time for the play, and that was the origin to the controversy. 

SHORT FILMS ON OTT 

There is hope for short films in OTT, believes Cyrus Dastur. Having made quite some short films for certain platforms, he states the reason for less popularity of such content on OTT to be exposure. short films do not receive the similar publicity as other forms of content. Besides marketing, there is also the problem of ownership where the production house uploads it on their own channel, making the content of almost no value for OTTs. 

REVENUE IN SHORT FILMS 

The quality of content is to be blamed for the less revenue in short films. “Films are heterogenous” and some will make money while others will not. The difference being quality. “If the writing and direction is good, audience will consume it” bringing in revenue. Dastur stands firm on his belief that the short films still must walk a long way for good content. 

VIEW ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

When inquired on his inactivity on social media he mentioned that “even though (he) was on (social media), not much of (his) personal life was shared.” The basic reason being, he does not feel anyone is interested in “what time (he) is having his ice cream.” He also stated how the young artists look at the posts made by celebrities from exotic locations and in top notch outfits and slowly they leave behind their passion and pursue money and fame. 

TO MOTIVATE THE YOUTH 

“Keep working harder and harder, it is not an easy field” but passion will bring in success, is what Cyrus Dastur had to say for the budding film aspirants. He asked the youths to work for passion and not fame. In the end, he assured that Shamiana will always be there to platform the good works and support them. 

All and all, Dastur was honest with his journey and opinions of lifestyle. While bringing out the realities of the current position of short films in India, he also brought light on the areas of ignorance of young artists. His words are wise and can guide the youth through the hardships in the lustrous world of cinema. 

Author:
Archan Kundu