A love for the movies gave birth to the idea of supporting young and talented artistes. And that’s how the idea for the production company KEFI was born. KEFI, which turns one on December 19, has already produced quite a few projects including the highly anticipated film Three Course Meal, starring Paoli Dam and Shweta Basu Prasad. A Telegraph chat with the director of the production company, Aakanksha Manglani...
How has the year been for KEFI?
For any start-up there are initial hiccups. We faced that too, from finding the right kind of projects to the right kind of people. It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride, which felt nice at times and hit low points too. But it’s all been a learning curve.
Were you able to fulfill your goals and objectives?
Our goal was always to sign up one-of-a- kind projects to finding new talents... whether it was Sound Project or Tikiland, KEFI has contributed to finding new faces and a pool of talent.
Tell us about the projects you handled?
Being a start-up, we have done a number of projects, from music videos like Golden Gown and Tum Jahan Raho. The Sound Project featured DJs. We have also done three films, Red Orchid, Three Course Meal and Tikiland, and worked with directors like Gourab Dutta, Indrasis Acharya, Shieladitya Moulik and Abhishek Chowdhury. We have also started branching into branding, advertising and marketing.
What were the lessons learnt in the last one year?
Many. The biggest lesson I learnt in the journey so far is trusting your inner gut. I am a learner, and this has taught me something new each day. I have become more receptive to people’s behaviour and ideas.
What kind of challenges did you have to face?
I come from a fashion background. As a winner of a pageant, Mrs. India Worldwide, KEFI was just an idea that came in the first phase of lockdown. Bringing it to life to maintaining it, everything was a challenge. A lot of hand-holding was required, in the process I learnt quite a few things, the hard way.
Shweta Basu Prasad, Sushama Deshpande and Paoli Dam star in 'Three Course Meal' Sourced by The Telegraph
As a producer, what are the aspects that you look after while producing a film or show?
I have been a part of every film I have made, gone for recce to being on sets from morning till the time it ends. Every chapter, every project taught me various things about the craft. I am still learning and I am enjoying it too.
What are the things that you look for in a project before taking it up?
If you see my graph, all my projects are different from one another. Every concept has to touch that chord, like I said I believe in my gut. Also I have to see the financial aspect too, which is definitely important.
What kind of stories are you looking forward to produce in 2022?
I have done projects from dark to thriller to satire. Now I am looking forward to a romcom, family drama, which I haven’t explored yet.
What are your plans for next year?
Learning and making content which will keep the audience entertained. Entertaining the audience and promoting newer talent will always be my priority, obviously helping the growth of my company in mind.
Will you be tying up with national platforms?
Keeping my fingers crossed, will happen soon, with the projects I have already done. Talks are in process.
When can we see KEFI launching films with big stars?
That’s very much on my mind, again keeping my hopes high in near future.