Sonia Arora
What topic do you discuss in your script? And why?
The primary topic of my script is the celebraion of misfits and their unique perspectives. Through Mini's journey, the film explores themes of self-acceptance, individuality, and the beauty of being different. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Singapore, the script also highlights how the spirit of a city can shape a person's personality. Mini's experiences in Singapore, a city known for its diversity and inclusivity, play a crucial role in her self-discovery and acceptance. The film portrays how the dynamic environment and the diverse people she encounters help her embrace her uniqueness and find her voice.
This theme is important to me because it emphasizes that our differences are strengths and that the environment we live in can profoundly influence our personal growth.
The story aims to inspire viewers to celebrate their individuality and recognize the positive impact of a supportive and inclusive community.
How do people feel after reading your script?
So far, I've shared the script with an artist friend, and her feedback was incredibly positive. She felt that it is a corporate social drama that deserves to be showcased and shared widely. The elements she highlighted as high points were the inspiration, creativity, humor, and emotional depth woven throughout the story. She also appreciated the metaphorical expressions that add layers of meaning to the narrative. Her response suggests that the script resonates on multiple levels, offering a heartfelt and engaging experience that inspires and entertains while addressing important social themes.
Do you think that films can change people for the better or for the worse?
Yes, films have the power to shape perspectives and influence people profoundly. They reflect society and have the power to inspire change or reinforce existing views. As a writer and filmmaker, I see it as my job to create stories that can make a difference, encourage growth, and provoke thought. It's about using that influence responsibly.
According to 3-act dramaturgy, how would you define your story?
My story, "Misfits," adheres to the classic three-act structure, and has been intensified by a unique narrative style. Each act is linked to a dream sequence, symbolizing the protagonist's journey of envisioning a dream, believing in it, and ultimately achieving it.
Act 1: Setup
The first act introduces Mini Mukherjee, a creative and intelligent immigrant in Singapore working in a rigid financial audit company. Despite her talents, Mini struggles with public speaking and is labeled a 'Misfit' by her peers and bosses. Her frustration grows as her coworker Tia climbs the corporate ladder by taking credit for others' work. Mini's close friend Sebastian, who faces his own challenges, and James Mathew, a wise and supportive mailroom worker, provide her with solace. The act opens with a dream sequence, setting the tone for Mini's inner world and aspirations.
Act 2: Confrontation, Rising Action
The second act focuses on Mini's journey of self-discovery. Facing numerous setbacks at work and feeling sidelined by Tia, Mini seeks solace in her friendships with Sebastian and James. A turning point comes when Mini embarks on a solo trip to Europe, searching for clarity and inspiration. During this journey, Mini has an awakening through a dream, where she realizes her unique talent for identifying and understanding misfits.
This dream sequence serves as a metaphor for her growing self-awareness and sense of purpose. She returns to Singapore with a renewed sense of confidence and begins working on her show "MISFITS," which celebrates diverse individuals and their unique stories.
Act 3: Resolution
In the final act, Mini transforms into a confident woman, launching her successful show "MISFITS" on Radio and YouTube. The show's premiere features unique individuals, including James, who finally receive the recognition they deserve. The act concludes with a dream come true moment for Mini and her misfit stars, as they walk the red carpet, celebrated for their individuality.
This climax showcases the fulfilment of Mini's dreams and her journey from being a misunderstood misfit to a celebrated creator. The final dream sequence ties the narrative together, emphasizing the power of dreams in driving personal growth and success.
The integration of dream sequences in each act of "Misfits" adds a unique and symbolic layer to the narrative, highlighting the protagonist's internal and external transformation while reinforcing the film's central theme of embracing one's uniqueness.
How does the main character develop?
In "Missfit," the main character, Mini Mukherjee, evolves significantly through three key stages:
1. Initial Struggles: Mini starts as a misfit in her corporate job, feeling marginalized due to her unique personality and fear of public speaking. Her attempts to fit in lead to frustration and self-doubt.
2. Self-Discovery: Through setbacks and supportive relationships, notably with James and during her European trip, Mini learns to embrace her uniqueness. She discovers her talent for recognizing and celebrating hidden stories, marking her transformation from feeling isolated to gaining self-acceptance.
3. Empowerment: Mini's journey culminates in creating the successful show "MISFITS," celebrating diverse individuals and realizing her dreams. Her growth is mirrored by other characters, like James, whose wisdom and hidden talents support her, and Sebastian, who reflects her struggles and serves as a catalyst for her self-discovery.
What actors do you imagine in your project (typologically)?
For Mini Mukherjee:
- Alia Bhatt: Known for her versatility and ability to portray nuanced characters, Bhatt could bring Mini's blend of creativity and vulnerability to life.
- Kalki Koechlin: With her strong acting skills and ability to handle complex roles, Koechlin could effectively fit into a Misfit creative persona, mirroring Mini's journey of self-discovery and growth. She can play Tia equally well for her acting range.
- Emma Stone: Her range and ability to portray both vulnerability and strength would be ideal for Mini's journey of self-discovery and growth.
- Zoë Kravitz: Known for her unique presence and depth, Kravitz could bring Mini's creative and introspective side to life.
For James Mathew
i. Donald Glover: Known for his sharp wit and intelligence, Glover can bring both humor and depth to James Mathew, while his relatable appearance fits the character well.
ii. Jesse Plemons: With a strong ability to deliver both comedic and dramatic performances, Plemons can portray James's wisdom and humor effectively while maintaining a down-to-earth presence.
iii. Vikrant Massey: His ability to portray grounded, relatable characters makes him a good fit for James, bringing out the character's charm and depth.
For Sebastian:
i. Jim Sarbh: could be a great choice for Sebastian! He has the depth and versatility to capture Sebastian's complex emotional landscape.
ii. Rami Malek: Malek's ability to delve into complex characters would suit Sebastian's role as a journalist struggling with his career and personal challenges.
iii. Adam Driver: For his intensity and depth, Driver could effectively embody Sebastian's introspective and supportive nature.
For Renee
Rituparna Sengupta is the actress who comes with similar Bollywood celebrity artist background to play convincingly the character that needs a strong stature, maturity and aura to play.
Why do you think your script should attract director?
Misfits" offers a compelling blend of visual splendor and emotional depth. The film's vibrant portrayal of Singapore and Europe not only provides a stunning backdrop but also enriches the narrative.
With a strong, relatable female lead, the story resonates with a wide audience, inspiring anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or dreamt of achieving something great.
Moreover, the script is filled with unexpectedly humorous and intelligent dialogues, even from minor characters like James, which adds depth and charm to the story. This witty and thoughtful dialogue will leave a lasting impression on audiences who appreciate nuanced and engaging narratives.
Subtly but crucially in the story, "Misfits" captures the essence of each character's journey with empathy and authenticity, celebrating their uniqueness and complexities.
A standout feature for the director is to reveal the climactic twist of the City spirit as the surprise element. This unveils a powerful symbol of Singapore's/A modern city's diversity, inclusion and resilience, underscoring the film's core message of embracing uniqueness and talents from all cultures.
Which festivals did you receive the award?
My Debut film 'Love Yours Truly' as a Screenplay writer and Assistant Director received multiple awards at international film festivals. To name a few, it received awards in various categories in these festivals-
o New York ISFF 2021
o Big Ben IFF London
o Brandenburg International Film
o Anatolia International Film Festival
o BIFF London
o Best Istanbul Festival
o Golden State Film Festival, Los Angeles, USA
o Tagore International Film Festival, Calcutta, India
Which screenwriters are your favorite and why?
i. Imtiaz Ali- Known for his unique portrayal of characters evolving through journeys and self-discovery, as seen in films like " Highway" "Jab We Met" and "Tamasha.
ii. Lynne Ramsay- 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', is known for her evocative storytelling and deep character exploration, making her a compelling choice for projects focused on intense personal journeys and complex character development.
iii. Aaron Sorkin - Famous for his sharp dialogue and engaging scripts in films like The Social Network and Steve Jobs.
iv. Richard Linklater – Renowned for his exploration of character development over time and through life experiences, notably in "Before Sunrise" and "Boyhood."
About which topics are your screenplays?
My screenplays cover a lot of ground—drama, romance, psychological thrillers, comedy, and more. I don't stick to just one genre. I like to dwell into various facets of the human experience. I like to write on universal quests and the mysteries of the human mind, crafting narratives that deeply connect with audiences. I aim is to deliver high-quality stories that offer profound insights and leave a lasting impact.
What motivates you the most to write screenplays?
I'm driven to write screenplays by my deep fascination for the universe's grand design and its mystical powers that shape our lives. It motivate me to create stories that not only entertain but also connect hearts and minds, sparking a sense of wonder and depth.
Exploring the human experience—of growth, regrets, mistakes—it all motivates me.
I'm inspired by real people and use my imagination to craft impactful narratives. I also love incorporating larger-than-life metaphorical symbolism.
Screenplay writing gives me the freedom to take my imagination to the sky and beyond, allowing me to explore and create in ways that transcend the ordinary.
What are your plans in future careers?
I'm dedicated to expanding my international reach, pushing creative boundaries across diverse genres, and crafting unique narratives. My goal is to develop a distinctive style, write for global platforms, and continue exploring publishing opportunities.
Ultimately, I'm working towards dream projects and exceptional scripts to elevate my writing career, connect with audiences worldwide and make my mark in evolving cinema landscape.