‘Zwigato’ director Nandita Das talks
about struggles of
gig workers, COVID-19 and more at MPW 2022
Produced by: Mehak Agarwal
Designed by: Pragati
Filmmaker Nandita Das revealed how Zwigato was conceived initially and what are its focal points. She said that the Kapil Sharma film was initially meant to be a 20-minute short film but the team eventually decided to turn it into a short film
Nandita Das on making
of Zwigato
Das revealed in her fireside chat with Business Today Editor- Technology Aayush Ailawadi that she was scared when producers told her to convert a 20-minute short into a full-length feature film.
Research behind Zwigato
The filmmaker and actor said, “At that time I was scared that I’ll have to study more about algorithms and ratings and it’s entered something that I wouldn’t understand. But that’s just on the surface. Finally, it’s about human relationships.”
More about human
relationships: Nandita Das
Nandita Das further revealed that Zwigato was meant to be a part of the anthology series which did not work. She also said that the working class has vanished from the popular narrative
Zwigato meant to
be anthology
Zwigato
Nandita Das on gig
workers in India
Das, also known for her films like Manto and Firaaq, said that the irony of ‘stay home, stay safe’ was not lost on anybody during the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that gig work emerged as an alternate form of employment due to joblessness and uncertainty about the future
gig workers in india
The acclaimed filmmaker said, “While a lot of people say Covid has made us more empathetic. But the flip side is Covid has also made us more selfish in a way because we are all sort of fighting for that place.”
Zwigato director
Nandita Das on
COVID-19 pandemic
COVID19 pandemic in india
The film focuses on a food delivery rider who grapples with the world of ratings, algorithms and incentives. The film did not fare well at the box office and could only collect Rs 1.84 crore in its three-day.
Zwigato story, box office
She said they have multiple identities but somehow being a woman tops everything. Das also said more women should be making decisions behind the camera.
Nandita Das on
women directors
The filmmaker said, “I’m a woman director and I want many more women to be telling their stories bringing in that diversity of perspectives”