This trailblazing director has indelibly etched his name in the industry, not only as a filmmaker but also as an actor and a pivotal American line producer.
Tirlok Malik, the New York-based acclaimed Indian- American filmmaker renowned for his poignant portrayal of the Indian diaspora, embarks on a new cinematic odyssey with his upcoming offering, ‘I Am Hanuman.’ Malik, who is presently in India, is fervently sculpting the pre-production phase of this transcultural Hollywood–Bollywood venture poised to traverse iconic landscapes spanning Ayodhya, New York, and various picturesque locales across India.
A luminary voice in Indian- American cinema, Malik’s repertoire echoes a resonant narrative from ‘Lonely In America’ to ‘Khushiyaan,’ and ‘On Golden Years.’ This trailblazing director has indelibly etched his name in the industry, not only as a filmmaker but also as an actor and a pivotal US line producer collaborating with stalwarts like Al Pacino, Rajnikanth, Suriya, Kamal Haasan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Manisha Koirala, and Deepti Naval, among others. Internationally praised for his contributions as both an actor and filmmaker, Malik has garnered acclaim on a global scale.
Recognizing his excellence in filmmaking, he was honored with the prestigious Pride of India Gold Medal by the Indian Ambassador of the USA. In August 2007, the New York Mayor’s Office bestowed upon Tirlok Malik the New York Citizens Award. Additionally, in 2014, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer issued a citation in appreciation of his impactful work, officially designating November 1, 2014, as Tirlok Malik Appreciation Day.
“The filmmaking is great in India. It caters to more than a billion viewers worldwide. Films are still a major source of entertainment for the Indian audience,” Malik asserts. His fervor for fostering a confluence of cinematic cultures resonates in his belief that Hollywood possesses untapped potential to explore Indian themes and shoot within its rich tapestry.
Simultaneously, Indian filmmakers wield an immense opportunity to craft content for the global stage, bridging cultures through the art of storytelling. The genesis of Malik’s cinematic voyage commenced with a promise—to showcase Indian characters with their emotions, relationships, and universal experiences sans stereotypical portrayals of poverty.
“When I started making films, I knew I wasn’t going to highlight such problems from India,” Malik elucidates. His oeuvre stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a nuanced portrayal of human experiences transcending geographical boundaries. Malik’s cinematic trajectory brims with both triumphs and tribulations. From humble beginnings encompassing modeling assignments to the allure of theatre, the transition to a multifaceted role as a producer, actor, and director was an arduous yet fulfilling journey.
“I have had more than 300 performances at Broadway. I started off with small roles in theatre,” he reminisces, underscoring the tenacity that paved the path to his multifaceted career. The accolades decorating Malik’s career include a prestigious Emmy nomination in 2007 for his television series ‘Namaste – I Love Making Films in New York.’ However, it was his inaugural endeavor, the 1990 film ‘Lonely in America,’ that remains a touchstone in his illustrious career.
“It was a commercial success. Filmmaker and actor Spike Lee had a cameo in the film, and it was showcased in over 35 film festivals,” Malik recalls, reminiscing about the pivotal milestone that cemented his foothold in the industry. Now, ‘I Am Hanuman’ stands as Malik’s latest endeavor, a transcendent tale poised to traverse continents and cultures, weaving a narrative tapestry that fuses the essence of both Hollywood and Bollywood.
“The scripting is fully complete and already I have put together a team with many accredited and accomplished professionals from Bollywood as well as Hollywood and soon we will officially announce their names,” assures Malik. He further adds, “This project is a convergence of storytelling, melding mythological elements with contemporary narratives. It encapsulates the essence of Hanuman, the symbolism of strength, devotion, and the timeless saga.”
The film promises to be a symphony of visual grandeur, leveraging iconic locations to portray the juxtaposition of cultures, echoing the ethos of a globalized world. Malik aspires to weave a tale that transcends borders, resonating with audiences worldwide while championing cultural diversity and inclusivity.
“’I am Hanuman’ isn’t merely a film; it’s an exploration of narratives that traverse geographical boundaries. It encapsulates the universality of emotions, underscoring the interconnectedness of cultures,” Malik asserts. His vision for this project transcends the conventional, aiming to craft a cinematic experience that serves as a testament to cultural harmony and the power of storytelling.
Embracing the sanctity surrounding the consecration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024, a momentous event set to witness the presence of esteemed dignitaries, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to luminaries in various realms including athletes, film stars, industrialists, and spiritual leaders, ‘I am Hanuman’ prepares to unveil its first look motion poster on the eve of the inauguration.
This synchronicity symbolizes a profound reverence for the occasion, intertwining the essence of the film’s narrative with the spiritual significance of the day. “By the virtue of releasing the film’s first look motion poster on the eve of the auspicious day, we want to seek Lord Rama’s blessings,” rejoices Malik.
In a career spanning over three decades, Malik has captured the imagination of the diaspora and now he has shifted his attention to their children. “Most parents do not have the time or know how to tell the story and virtues of Lord Hanuman. With ‘I Am Hanuman,’ we intend to take Lord Hanuman’s teachings and virtues global. We mustn’t forget: Before Superman, there is Hanuman,” asserts Malik.
Tirlok Malik’s legacy is not merely in the films he creates but in the bridges he builds between cultures, enriching the cinematic landscape with stories that resonate universally. As Malik fervently orchestrates the preproduction phase of ‘I am Hanuman,’ his unwavering dedication to crafting narratives that transcend boundaries continues to be the cornerstone of his illustrious career.