"Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai": A Poetic Glimpse into Vinod Kumar Shukla’s World, Streaming on MUBI India
New Delhi, Feb 27 – Director Achal Mishra’s latest documentary, Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai, offers an intimate and evocative portrayal of acclaimed Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla. The 54-minute film, which premieres on MUBI India from February 28, delicately captures the celebrated author's daily life, reflections on creativity, and the quiet beauty of his surroundings.
The documentary opens with a poignant anecdote—Shukla, known for literary masterpieces like Naukar Ki Kameez and Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi, recounts a recent phone call from a reader who wanted to confirm if he was still alive. As the camera follows the 88-year-old writer strolling around his porch in Raipur, the film sets its tone—gentle, observational, and deeply personal.
A Filmmaker’s Quest for the “In-Between” Moments
Mishra, known for Gamak Ghar and Dhuin, set out to capture not just conversations but the subtle, almost imperceptible moments of Shukla’s existence. "I was after those in-between moments—him having lunch, birds in the garden, light filtering through trees," Mishra shared.
Shot over two afternoons in 2022 at Shukla’s home, the documentary was initially an impromptu project. Writer-actor Manav Kaul, a close associate of Shukla, accompanied Mishra on the first visit. It was only after this trip that Mishra realized the potential for a full-fledged film, prompting a second visit to capture quieter, more reflective sequences.
A Poetic Lens on Life, Marriage, and Creativity
Titled after one of Shukla’s poems, Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai delves into the author's thoughts on literature, marriage, and whether a writer needs permission to write about others—Shukla believes it is unnecessary. His son, Shashwat Gopal, plays a key role in the film, sharing how the family serves as the first audience for his father’s works. Shukla’s wife, Sudha, also appears, adding depth to his musings on their lifelong companionship.
For Mishra, editing the film proved to be a challenge. “I wasn’t sure if what I had captured could stand on its own,” he admitted. It was only during the editing process that he found the narrative rhythm. "There was pressure—I was making a film on Vinod Kumar Shukla."
A Writer’s Ever-Present Creative Pulse
Mishra’s fascination with Shukla began with translations of his writings, later deepening when he heard the poet speak at the Jaipur Literature Festival. "You imagine writers as isolated and serious, but he writes anywhere—on the phone, in the middle of the night, on scraps of paper," Mishra observed. The film beautifully encapsulates how Shukla's home, adorned with trees and birds, serves as a microcosm of his literary universe.
Despite initial hesitation, Shukla warmly welcomed the film crew. "He kept walking with us, even after we wrapped shooting. On the second day, I simply asked him to walk around or take a nap—he was quite happy," Mishra recalled.
A Journey Sparked by Serendipity
The idea for the film was born from a chance meeting with Manav Kaul at writer Nihal Parashar’s place. Kaul, a close confidant of Shukla, was instrumental in setting up the visit. “He made the call, asked all the questions, and I just filmed,” Mishra noted.
In August last year, Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai was screened privately for Shukla and his family. Their reaction was heartening. Shukla, delighted by the title, remarked, "Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai... Aur Main Bhi Toh Hoon.”
As the film debuts on MUBI India, audiences will get a rare glimpse into the life and mind of one of Hindi literature’s most cherished writers, through Mishra’s poetic and observational lens.
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