Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s debut production, Girls Will Be Girls, under their banner Pushing Buttons Studios, has been garnering widespread acclaim.
However, the actors had to make significant sacrifices to bring their dream project to fruition.
At a recent media event, Ali Fazal revealed the lengths they went to fund the film. "We come from a country known for its jugaad – the art of figuring things out. We asked for financial help from various sources and even broke our fixed deposits to make Girls Will Be Girls happen. But we did it," said the Mirzapur actor.
Richa Chadha added that collaborations with international artists provided opportunities to overcome financial hurdles. "For instance, the film was edited in France and received a grant due to its core idea," shared the Heeramandi star.
Ali and Richa’s production house aims to support filmmakers who face financial challenges in realizing their creative visions. Girls Will Be Girls is the first project under their banner and exemplifies their commitment to backing meaningful cinema.
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, winning two awards and receiving critical praise. Even Priyanka Chopra extended her support, sharing a glowing review on Instagram Stories.
"An honest, beautifully crafted story of desire, rebellion, and coming-of-age. #GirlsWillBeGirls, written and directed by #ShuchiTalati – streaming now, only on @primevideoin," wrote Priyanka, tagging the lead cast and crew.
Starring newcomers Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron alongside Kani Kusruti, the film tells the story of a young girl navigating life in a boarding school in a Himalayan town in North India.