High Fun (commonly known as 'Party and Play' or 'Chemsex' in the west) is a queer-themed horror film about living with your demons.

Interview with Director/Producer Adesh Prasad

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you so much.

I was going through a very difficult time when I was asked to make this short film. And I thought why not make a film about what was exactly bothering me so much. And making it turned out to be the most therapeutic exercise I could do. If anyone else out there dabbling with the same questions feels less lonely after watching this film, I would consider that a good reason for this film to exist.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I think if you are interested in the human condition then you should watch this film. It talks about a very specific time about a very specific issue in my country that comes with its own moral and philosophical dilemmas. And I don't think anyone else has made a film about the gay community and talked about this aspect of drug abuse.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The only themes, values or ideas I dabble with are the ones that are personal to me. I don't like to second guess what you would like. I am a filmmaker and I am here to tell you what I feel about this beautiful but complicated world I live in. I hope that when I tell you my story it resonates with you as well. That is not to say that I am above the idea of entertaining my audience. It is a very integral part of every script I work with.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Initially, the premise that was pitched to me was very simple. I don't want to reveal the plot but it was a very surface-level, albeit a very cool idea. And it had heterosexual characters. So you see, the minute I made it about two men, the queer themes and queer politics came about in the film and it became much more specific, personal and layered.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I am glad that in spite of this film being so morbid, my audience so far has picked on the subtle humor laced throughout the film and I like the fact that I get all the reactions that I was aiming for at different points in the film. I don't think I can ask for anything more than that.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really. I did not imagine a lot of straight people to understand the nuances of the film and what it is largely trying to say because most straight people are far removed from the concerns and the world of gay men. Not because there aren't enough gay men all around you, but because we still remain largely hidden from the mainstream.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I just hope this film reaches more queer people. And just in case they are going through the same turmoil, then they should know that they are not alone. Because sometimes that knowledge itself can save your life.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Anyone who can help me take this film far and beyond.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I have tried to slightly nudge the audience to try and see things less from the eyes of judgment and more with empathy. If you try to understand the world around us, you will realise that our coping mechanisms may be different from each other but our concerns are still the same.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Some use purpose and some use other coping mechanisms to get rid of their demons. I would like to know what particular coping mechanism people use in their personal lives and if they think there is any other way out to deal with their monsters.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am working on a sequel and prequel of a film that I had co-written, co-produced and co-directed in 2018. It was called Tumbbad.

Interview: October 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

High Fun

High Fun (commonly known as 'Party and Play' or 'Chemsex' in the west) is a queer-themed horror film about living with your demons.

Length: 14:59

Director: Adesh Prasad

Producer: Sohum Shah, Mukesh Shaha, Anita Shah and Adesh Prasad

Writer: Bhairavi Kulkarni, Yogesh Chandekar, Adesh Prasad, Naveen Sandhu

About the writer, director and producer:

ADESH PRASAD runs Sohum Shah Films as the Producer and Creative Head of the company. Co-director, co-writer and co-producer on the critically acclaimed fantasy horror/thriller Tumbbad (2018), Adesh has also co-edited the National Award-winning feature film, Ship of Theseus (2013). His film, Tumbbad, was the first Indian film to open the prestigious Venice Critics Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival. It was awarded the Best Film in Cinema Asia 2019, and Screamfest Horror Film Fest, USA. Tumbbad earned him Best Director (Focus Asia Section) award at Sitges Film Festival 2018, and a nomination as Best Director across major platforms such as: Filmfare Awards 2019, and Critics Choice Film Awards 2019. He was chosen as one of the '25 prime innovators in entertainment who have shaken up things and ignited conversations' in 2019 by India's leading entertainment journalism portal, Film Companion.

Key cast: Sohum Shah (lead cast), Mohammad Samad (lead cast)

Facebook: Sohum Shah Films

Instagram: @sohumshahfilms, @adeshprasad