Jigar Nagda, the director of The Boy Who Dreamt of Electricity, is a passionate advocate for independent cinema in India, and his latest film has already garnered significant attention at international film festivals. Having premiered at the prestigious Calcutta International Film Festival and screened in Germany, Sharjah, and Rajasthan, The Boy Who Dreamt of Electricity has been celebrated for its unique story and innovative approach. But Nagda, while excited about the film’s success, remains concerned about the challenges faced by independent filmmakers in India today.
The film, which tells the inspiring story of a young boy living in a tribal area without electricity, showcases his struggle to bring power to his home using solar energy. "This is a film about a boy who lives in a tribal region with no electricity and how he struggles to bring electricity to his home through solar power," Nagda explains. "It’s the first time that a film in the Indian film industry is being made on the topic of solar energy."
In an interview, Nagda shared his excitement about the upcoming screening in Mumbai, marking the first time the film will be shown in the city. "This is the first screening of the film in Mumbai, and I’m very excited. I’m doing this with the entire cast and crew, which makes it even more special," he says.
The film has already seen a positive reception in various international festivals. "It has been well-received at several festivals. We premiered it at the Calcutta International Film Festival, then took it to Germany and Sharjah International Film Festival. At the Rajasthan Film Festival, it even won Best Film. I’m very excited, and I hope the momentum continues," says Nagda.
Despite these successes, Nagda acknowledges the ongoing struggles of independent cinema in India. "I would say independent cinema is still facing a lot of struggles. It is still looking for space. OTT platforms say they welcome independent cinema, but the irony is that unless you have a known face or a saleable actor, they still don’t find space for these films," Nagda points out.
He believes that independent filmmakers are forced to seek recognition through film festivals, which can help secure a place in the public eye. "Through festivals, we try to carve a space for ourselves. Now, it’s up to the audience how much they accept it and how much they demand to see these films on larger platforms like OTT. If the audience supports these films by watching them at festivals and demanding that OTT platforms show them, only then will there be hope for indie films."
Looking ahead, Nagda hopes for a theatrical release of the film in Rajasthan, where the story is set, and other select theaters across India. "This is a Rajasthani-language film, but the subject is global. My wish is to release it in a very selective way in theaters and cinemas by next year, either in April or June. Before that, I want to cover the festival journey and make sure the film reaches the right audience."