‘No money, so what?’

Hyderabad: Last year’s critically acclaimed movie Ship of Theseus proved that the time for independent movies had arrived in India. One such movie, which was shot in the city, was The Anushree Experiments, directed by Aparna Malladi. And the movie’s backbone was its very young crew, providing support in whatever way they could.

Three students from St. Francis College for Women, Tarz Rabbani, Ayyalasomyajula Pooja, Darshani Nene, and two from Hyderabad Central University, Nitya Sriram and Harika Vankadara who were part of the crew, were aware that they wouldn’t be paid, but this did not stop them from taking up the project.

Make-up artiste Tarz, says, “The Anushree Experiments was not just the director’s or the actors’ movie, everybody on the sets was working hard to make it a reality. It would not have been possible if Aparna ma’am had not made us feel an important part of this journey.”

Nitya, the costume designer, agrees, “As it was an independent film, we had less crew members and more work. The film was shot in just 17 days, so we had lots of work to do.”

The students understood that an independent movie would come with its own problems and were ready to take up the challenge. “Being tight on funds, the set was chaotic. Impromptu costume and set designs made maintaining continuity a nightmare, as we could not seem to keep track of from where we had last acquired the objects,” says Harika, 21. She worked as the director’s assistant and continuity manager.

Darshani, 21, who was the third assistant director of the movie, adds, “This was the first time I was working on a feature film and it wasn’t easy. The late night shoots, waking up early again to be on the sets, running around, getting screamed at occasionally, it was quite stressful for everyone. But the experience was worth it.”

Pooja, 23, who was the costume designer, says, “Nitya and I managed the costumes completely. Ma’am constantly told us how important we were and how well we are doing and that was the boost that kept us going through the crazy 17-day schedule.”

The students believe that the hands-on experience they got made up for not getting paid. Tarz had to manage with her own make-up kit and Nitya had to get things from her own wardrobe for the cast, but the passion of working together kept them going.