National Award-winning director Vinod Kapri casts untrained 80-year-old army veteran and 70-year-old woman in his film Pyre

National Award-winning filmmaker Vinod Kapri cast an 80-year-old retired Indian Army serviceman and a 70-year-old woman with no prior acting experience as the lead pair in his film Pyre. Set in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the movie explores migration by following an elderly couple left behind after their children move away from their mountain village in search of better opportunities.

The Long Search

Vinod spent several years searching for his lead actors, initially trying to make the film with the real-life couple who inspired the story in Munsyari. After that effort failed because they lacked an understanding of cinema, he auditioned 50 to 60 people over two years. He then approached Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, who liked the script but had concerns about whether they belonged to the region, and Naseeruddin faced health restrictions regarding shooting in the Himalayas.

Finding The Leads

The male lead, Padam Singh Kapri, was discovered during his nephew's 80th birthday celebration in July 2022. Despite having no acting background, his impromptu test reading of a difficult scene convinced the director. The female lead, Heera Devi, was found when the crew spotted her carrying wood on a village road. She initially refused the role due to societal concerns and a lack of Hindi fluency, but later agreed after her son encouraged her.

Release And Reception

Pyre released in theatres across India on October 30 in Hindi and Malayalam, and has won 18 international awards. The film is produced by Vinod Kapri, Suresh Joshi and Arindra Rai Chaudhuri under Bhagirathi Films and Mashakbeen Studios. After watching a special screening in Mumbai, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was moved to tears by the newcomers' performances and praised them warmly.

Context

Village migration from mountain areas like Uttarakhand to cities for work is a common social phenomenon in India, leaving many older parents behind in empty settlements. Film casting in independent Indian cinema often looks beyond professional urban actors to find authentic voices and faces from rural communities. First-time actors in regional cinema occasionally deliver remarkable performances when cast in roles that mirror their own lived realities.