Cyrus And The Gang

Making an unapologetic, dark film for the global audience always seemed to be a privilege of the West. But Being Cyrus is dealing with a gamut of emotions ranging from boredom, jealousy, loneliness, insanity, to greed and passion making it an intriguing and poignant depiction of some of the darkest human emotions told through a tale of a dysfunctional Parsi family.

It is India’s take at this relatively untouched genre. The unique, parallel, commercial, action, drama should be worth a dekho with ebullient Saif Ali Khan in the lead role.

It’s about Cyrus, played by Saif Ali Khan, recounting a bizarre chapter in his life when he lands up at the doorstep of the Sethna family. All the family members are completely weird and have their own schemes.

They all try to use Cyrus as a pawn to carry out their dreams without realising that Cyrus has his own scheme.

The film, which is adapted from a short story by Kersi Khambatta, has the tag line: ‘Who you let in can change your life.’ It is directed by Homi Adajania, another Parsi.

Another high point in the film is the editing by renowned British editor, Jon Harris, of the cult classic Snatch fame, who watched its first cut in London. Floored by the story and direction, he readily offered to re-edit it.

It’s a challenging film for Saif, and not just because it’s his first English language film. But also because the film captures dark and satirical emotions, dealing with ‘taboo’ issues of Cyrus and the gang.

Naseeruddin Shah (who plays Pestonji) concludes, "It is all about making a film you believe in. When you are honest to your passion, it really reflects."