Indian filmmaker Kanu Behl has delivered what critics are calling his most unsettling work to date with his latest film 'Agra,' which made its international premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight section. The film presents a raw and provocative exploration of male sexuality, family dynamics, and urban isolation in contemporary India.
A Disturbing Portrait of Urban Masculinity
Behl's film follows the story of a young man living with his parents in a cramped housing society in Agra, the city famous for the Taj Mahal. The protagonist's life becomes increasingly complicated as he grapples with his sexual desires while navigating a tense relationship with his father, who is experiencing his own midlife sexual awakening. This uncomfortable dynamic creates what Behl describes as a "collision of sexualities" within the confined space of their home.
The film features powerful performances by debutant actor Rahul Roy as the father, along with Priyanka Bose, Vibha Chibber, and the critically acclaimed actor Mohit Agarwal in the lead role. Behl specifically praised Agarwal's courage in taking on such a challenging character, noting that the role required immense vulnerability and emotional exposure.
From Personal Experience to Cinematic Statement
Behl revealed that 'Agra' draws heavily from his personal experiences growing up in Delhi's middle-class neighborhoods. The filmmaker explained that the film emerged from his observations of the complex relationships between fathers and sons in Indian households, particularly regarding how sexuality is expressed and repressed within family structures.
The project began development in 2018 when Behl started writing the script, though the actual filming faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the director maintained his vision for creating a film that would challenge conventional narratives about Indian masculinity and family life.
Behl described his approach as creating a "claustrophobic, fever-dream vision" of urban India, where characters struggle with their desires amid the pressures of societal expectations and limited physical space. The cramped housing society becomes a metaphor for the psychological constraints experienced by the characters.
Cannes Reception and Critical Response
The film's premiere at Cannes marked a significant moment for Indian cinema at the international festival. Behl expressed both excitement and anxiety about presenting such a personally meaningful project to a global audience, acknowledging that the film's explicit content and unconventional themes might challenge viewers.
Behl previously gained recognition for his 2014 debut feature 'Titli,' which also premiered in the Cannes Un Certain Regard section. With 'Agra,' the director has pushed his artistic boundaries even further, creating what he considers his most personal and psychologically complex work to date.
The filmmaker emphasized that despite the disturbing nature of the subject matter, his intention was not to shock audiences but to create an honest dialogue about aspects of Indian life that are rarely discussed openly. He hopes the film will spark conversations about masculinity, desire, and family dynamics in contemporary Indian society.
With its unflinching examination of taboo subjects and strong performances from its cast, 'Agra' establishes Kanu Behl as one of Indian cinema's most daring and innovative filmmakers, willing to explore the darker, more complicated aspects of human relationships without judgment or simplification.
