Mumbai, March 2024 – Whistling Woods International (WWI), India’s premier institute for film, communication, and creative arts, hosted an exclusive masterclass featuring the creative team behind Mrs. The session offered students an in-depth exploration of adaptation, creative reinterpretation, and the technical intricacies of filmmaking.

The masterclass examined the evolution of storytelling across cultural and cinematic landscapes. The distinguished panel included industry experts such as Arati Kadav (Director & WWI Alumna), Prerna Saigal (Editor), Sarit Sekhar Chatterjee (Sound Designer), Harman Baweja (Producer), Nishant Dahiya (Lead Actor), Shray Gupta (Assistant Director & WWI Alumnus), Neeraj Pandey (Lyricist), and Jayesh Ughade (Zee5 Content Head & WWI Alumnus).

A central theme of the discussion was the art of adaptation in storytelling. Producer Harman Baweja emphasised that while every adaptation must preserve the essence of its source material, it should also resonate with contemporary audiences. “What truly makes a difference isn’t just a great idea or script—it’s about having a great team through and through,” he noted, underscoring the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

For Director Arati Kadav, the protagonist’s journey was paramount. She encouraged students to delve into character psychology, stating, “I must enter the story through her eyes and see the world as she does,” reinforcing the significance of emotional depth and relatability in storytelling.

Lead actor Nishant Dahiya spoke about the complexities of character portrayal, urging students to establish a personal connection with their roles. “Finding that connection is crucial for an authentic performance,” he advised. Editor Prerna Saigal highlighted the impact of pacing and perspective on audience perception, while Sound Designer Sarit Sekhar Chatterjee emphasised the power of silence, describing it as a character in its own right.

Adding another dimension, Lyricist Neeraj Pandey discussed how music enhances emotional depth in storytelling, encouraging students to see it as an integral narrative tool.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, offering students direct interaction with the panel and deeper insights into the filmmaking craft. The masterclass reaffirmed WWI’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, equipping students with invaluable real-world learning experiences from accomplished professionals.

With its insightful discussions, industry expertise, and immersive learning experience, the Mrs masterclass left a lasting impact on WWI students, inspiring the next generation of storytellers.