Ek Kadam: Talking the ins and outs of marriage with director Rajeev Upadhyay
In Ek Kadam, Rajeev Upadhyay tells a touching story that connects with viewers, highlighting the quiet but impactful changes in a traditional desi marriage.
Rajeev Upadhyay's short film Ek Kadam is an intimately observed take on the complexities of marriage, brought to life by the talented performances of Renuka Shahane and Rajesh Tailang. After receiving positive feedback at film festivals, the movie is now available on OTT platforms. Ek Kadam follows the journey of Anuradha Solanki, a housewife who finds her voice and freedom when her husband, Mahendra, is injured.
Ek Kadam received critical acclaim, including being officially selected at the Chitra Bharti Film Festival 2020, where it won Best Film and Best Actress for Shahane. The film also triumphed at the second edition of the Shaheed Mela Film Festival, winning 13 awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor. Screenings at prestigious events such as the Kala Ghoda Film Festival, Rang Mahotsav in Mumbai, the South Asian Short Film Festival, and the Delhi International Film Festival further cemented its reputation.
In an exclusive interview earlier this week, Upadhyay shared insights into his creative process and the film’s themes.
Casting Renuka Shahane and Rajesh Tailang
When asked about his casting choices, Upadhyay explained, “I chose Renuka Shahane for Anuradha because her smile is famous, and she’s often seen as a cheerful, smiling figure.”
“The contrast between her real-life persona and the character of Anuradha, who smiles less, was compelling. Renuka is also a great actor capable of pulling off the civil yet suppressed demeanor of Anuradha.”
Upadhyay’s decision to cast Rajesh Tailang as Mahendra was driven by Tailang’s ability to portray a stern and dominant character.
“Rajesh Tailang’s image as a somewhat gruff individual made him an easy fit for Mahendra. He’s also a great actor, and the nuances I wanted in Mahendra’s character could only be achieved by someone like him,” Upadhyay noted.
Capturing marital dynamics
Ek Kadam meticulously captures the evolving dynamics of Anuradha and Mahendra’s marriage. Upadhyay highlighted specific scenes that reflect these shifts. “In the initial scenes, Mahendra is clearly dominant. For example, when Anuradha’s ATM receipt is delayed, Mahendra’s anger and scolding underscore his control over her. But as Anuradha gains confidence, we see a subtle balance emerging,” he explained.
A key moment occurs when Anuradha successfully buys medicine for Mahendra.
“There’s a balance in their interaction here. Mahendra smiles and asks for halwa, and Anuradha responds cheerfully. This scene marks the beginning of Anuradha’s rise, as she starts doing small things for herself, like buying earrings and eating golgappas,” Upadhyay said.
The climax, where Anuradha confidently tells Mahendra she’s going to a cinema alone, illustrates her complete transformation. “Mahendra’s silent acceptance at this point signifies a shift in their relationship’s balance,” Upadhyay added.
Focusing on a middle-aged housewife’s journey
Upadhyay chose to focus on a middle-aged housewife to delve into the often-overlooked inner conflicts in seemingly stable marriages.
“In the early stages of marriage, conflicts are more apparent as two people from different backgrounds adjust to each other. By middle age, it seems like couples have settled into their roles, but this balance is often superficial. The real conflict is internal, where suppressed emotions can be more dangerous,” he explained.
Exploring Anuradha’s journey allowed Upadhyay to highlight these inner struggles and desires. “Middle age is the perfect stage to explore these conflicts subtly. Anuradha’s journey shows how she breaks free from her suppressed state to rediscover herself,” he said.
Festival success and audience reactions
Ek Kadam has been celebrated at numerous film festivals, earning accolades and resonating deeply with audiences. The film’s ‘selection’ at various prestigious festivals and its numerous awards attest to its success.
“The response at festivals has been overwhelming. At screenings, people came up to me and said it reminded them of their mother’s or sister’s stories. This kind of connection is very overwhelming for me,” Upadhyay shared.
He also mentioned how many women connect with the movie. “Hearing that kind of feedback is so rewarding,” Upadhyay added.
Ek Kadam is available for streaming on various OTT platforms like Hungama Play, Airtel Xstream Play (Airtel TV), and Vodafone.
You can watch the short film here.