Noted director of ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ Jeo Baby’s ‘Shree Dhanya Catering Service’ film was screened on the third day of NIFF.
The movie revolves around biryani preparation. The male protagonist, an owner of a struggling catering unit, decides to prepare the biryani for the neighbourhood because of his child’s birthday.
Considering his financial situation, his friends give him a hand in the preparation, expecting the possibility of a liquor party. The conflict in the movie arises among the friends when they are divided about wanting to opt for different varieties of Biryani.
In the film, Director Joe Baby has not only directed the film but also has acted in it. “I found it easy because of my direction team, associate director, and co-director Akhil. I could trust him. That was the reason it was seamless, and could act in between the shoot”.
Regarding the casting, Joe Baby days, “We have many new faces in the film as we wanted to create freshness. That worked for us. Unfortunately it didn’t work in the theatres”.
The film was shot in 15 days. Most of the film was shot at night. The entire movie was shot using two cameras, intended to shoot like an action live, documentation kind of film.
“Though the film flopped in the theatres, this is my favourite among my movies so far.” The incident in the film was based on the real-life situation in the life of Joe Baby, that was recreated into a film.
Audience response:
The film enthusiast Asif said, “It’s a nice movie. The characters in the film are very relevant, like any other Joe Baby’s movie characters”. One of the audience, Mani N. Kumble, said, “I am happy to watch such films, it’s very rare we get to watch such artistic films in Mangaluru. Watching the film was a great experience, and I was disappointed to hear that such a good film flopped in the theatre.”
(By Rochelle Catherine Fernandes, Student, NICO)