Praveen Hingonia has emerged as an exciting new talent in Indian cinema with his debut film ‘Navras Katha Collage,’ which is creating a lot of buzz on the festival circuit. In a heartfelt tribute to Indian cinema’s legends Kamal Haasan and Sanjeev Kumar, who famously portrayed multiple roles in films like ‘Dasavathaaram’ and ‘Naya Din Nai Raat,’ Praveen has taken on the challenge of portraying nine distinct characters in a single film. “Each character had to be approached with a unique mindset, body language, and tone,” he explains. “It was a challenge to make sure that every portrayal felt authentic and distinct, while still maintaining a cohesive emotional narrative.”
In addition to the film’s artistic merits, ‘Navras Katha Collage’ has bagged a staggering 58 national and international awards at the festival circuit ahead of its official release. One of its most significant accolades came at the India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB), where it was awarded ‘Best Social Film.’ The film’s ability to address socially relevant issues through an emotionally engaging narrative has resonated with audiences and critics alike. “The recognition at IIFFB has been a humbling moment for the entire team,” Praveen rejoices. “It has reinforced our belief that socially conscious storytelling has a vital role in contemporary cinema.”
What sets Praveen Hingonia apart is not only his acting versatility but the sheer ambition of the project. It is an extraordinary challenge for a first-time actor. While the likes of Haasan and Kumar have tackled the challenge of essaying multiple roles in the past, Hingonia’s remarkable feat in his debut film makes ‘Navras Katha Collage’ a cinematic endeavor of great ambition and artistry.
The film draws its inspiration from the ancient Indian concept of the nine emotions or rasas—love or beauty, laughter, sorrow, anger, heroism or courage, terror or fear, disgust, surprise or wonder, and peace or tranquility—that form the foundation of Indian dramaturgy. Each of Praveen’s nine characters reflects one of these rasas, creating a layered and nuanced portrayal of the human condition.
The narrative moves seamlessly across different characters, offering a kaleidoscopic exploration of emotions that transcend boundaries of age, gender, and social context. The visual storytelling complements this emotional depth, with the film’s cinematography capturing the diverse landscapes of India. “The film’s visuals capture not just the beauty of these places but also the emotional gravity of the narrative,” adds Praveen.
Supported by an ensemble cast of seasoned actors, ‘Navras Katha Collage’ boasts some of the finest talents in Indian cinema. The cast includes Alka Amin, Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Shrivastava, Sunita Rajwar, Paritosh Tripathi, Shaji Chaudhary, Dayanand Shetty, Nilu Kohli, Revathi Pillai, Amardeep Jha, and Swar Hingonia. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their roles, enriching the narrative further. Atul Shrivastava, who plays a pivotal role in the film, lauds Praveen Hingonia’s dedication: “Praveen’s vision for Navras Katha Collage is unique, and I believe the film has something special to offer to audiences. His passion for storytelling and his ability to switch between nine characters with such depth is truly commendable.”
While ‘Navras Katha Collage’ has already praise, Praveen Hingonia is not resting on his laurels. He is currently embarked on an unprecedented promotional tour, traveling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, stopping at significant historical and cultural landmarks along the way. Accompanied by producer S.K.H. Patel, Praveen is visiting key locations such as the Wagah Border, Ahmedabad, Bareilly, and the village of Khatkar Kalan, engaging with audiences and sharing insights about the film’s theme of emotional universality and social relevance.
This nationwide tour endeavours to be more than a promotional campaign. ‘It is a celebration of the film’s underlying message of unity and empathy, a message that has been warmly received by local communities as well as the Indian Armed Forces, who have expressed their admiration for the film’s trailer,” Praveen shares.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the opportunity to interact with audiences directly,” Praveen adda. “Hearing how people from different walks of life relate to the film’s message has been incredibly gratifying. We are trying to reach every corner of the country because ‘Navras Katha Collage’ speaks to emotions that are universal.”
Produced under the banner of Swardhrupad Productions by Praveen Hingonia and S.K.H. Patel, with co-producer Abhishek Mishra, ‘Navras Katha Collage’ is slated for a nationwide release on October 18, 2024. The film promises to be a unique cinematic experience, combining artistic ambition with a socially relevant message.
‘Navras Katha Collage’ promises to be a breath of fresh air in contemporary Indian cinema with its emotionally rich narrative and stellar performances. The film looks poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences both in India and abroad.
The film’s release is highly anticipated, not only for its unique storytelling approach but also for its tribute to the greats of Indian cinema. As Praveen Hingonia’s nationwide tour brings the film’s message to more audiences, expectations are high for ‘Navras Katha Collage’ to pave a new pathway for socially conscious, emotionally resonant cinema.