{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}} {{Infobox film | name = M Cream | image = MCR Theatrical Poster.jpg | director = Agneya Singh | producer = Agniputra Films | writer = Agneya Singh | starring = Imaad Shah<br>Ira Dubey<br>Raaghav Chanana<br>Auritra Ghosh<br>Tom Alter<br>Barry John | distributor = All Rights Entertainment | released = {{Film date|2014|08|10|Rhode Island Film Festival|2016|07|22|India}} | runtime = 114 minutes | country = India | language = English/Hindi }}
'''''M Cream''''' is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language road film written and directed by Agneya Singh. It follows the exploits of four rebellious friends who set out on a road trip in pursuit of a mythical drug. The film was screened at the Rhode Island International Film Festival where it received the Grand Prize for Best Feature Film.<ref name="npr"/> PVR Pictures released ''M Cream'' in theatres across India on July 22, 2016.<ref name="pvr"/> The worldwide distribution rights were subsequently acquired by Netflix.<ref name="Netflix"/>
==Plot== Figs is the typical cynic who lurks in the expansive lawns of Delhi University. Entangled in a web of drugged out delirium, he’s the quintessential rebel. His world is thrown into disarray when his conservative parents begin to chalk out a strategy for his future. Things only become worse when a sudden scarcity of hash deprives Figs of his favourite pastime. Unable to cope with the situation, Figs joins forces with his best friend Maggie on a quest to attain M Cream, a mythical form of hash. They hastily devise a plan to trek to the far reaches of the Himalayas in pursuit of this goal. Maggie ropes in her boyfriend Niz, who’s purportedly headed to the hills on a photo assignment. Unbeknownst to Figs, the trio is joined by Jay, a close friend of Niz. Chaos ensues as the reckless travelers journey across the Himalayan expanse. The road trip results in a series of unexpected encounters that begin to unravel the myriad realities of rebellion. Difficult choices are made and uncomfortable sides are taken as Figs and the others begin to comprehend the mysterious ways of the world we live in.<ref name="mcreamfilm"/>
== Cast == * Imaad Shah as Figs * Ira Dubey as Jay * Raaghav Chanana as Niz * Auritra Ghosh as Maggie * Barry John as Vishnu Das * Tom Alter as Mr Bhardwaj * Lushin Dubey as Mrs Bhardwaj * Beatrice Ordeix as Marie Sartre
==Production==
===Development=== 250px|thumb|alt=A still from M Cream|A still from ''M Cream'' Singh is an alumnus of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Upon graduation, he returned to India and began conceptualizing the script for ''M Cream'', his first feature film.<ref name="oiff"/> In conversation with Indo-Asian News Service, Singh commented: <blockquote>"After growing up in the superficial '90s, I was struck by the resurgence of radicalism among the youth of India. This film is really an ode to the spirit of revolution, inspired by the brave and reckless defiance of my own peers and contemporaries."<ref name="thenewsreports"/></blockquote>
Highlighting a departure from the traditional tropes of Bollywood storytelling, in an interview with NPR Singh observed:
<blockquote>"Bollywood entertains millions of people, but for me, personally, I couldn't really relate to the dreams and ideas in it. It's really based on escapism. And the fact of the matter is, we are living in turbulent times, and I think there's an audience in India, and internationally as well, that wants to see the more realistic aspects of what's happening in the country rather than the version of what we would like to believe."<ref name="npr"/></blockquote>
The story of ''M Cream'' follows the exploits of four friends in search of a magical drug. Through this journey, the film explores various socio-political issues from a youth perspective.<ref name="pepsimtvindies"/>
A cast of theatre and film actors including Raaghav Chanana, Tom Alter, Ira Dubey, Imaad Shah, Auritra Ghosh and Barry John joined the project. The film was produced by Agniputra Films, a multi-media production house based in New Delhi, India. Hong Kong based sales agent All Rights Entertainment came on board to represent the project internationally.<ref name="thefilmcatalogue"/>
===Filming=== ''M Cream'' was shot on location in New Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Most notably the filming took place in and around the Kullu and Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh including popular backpacking locales such as Kasol and Malana.<ref name="livemint"/>
==Soundtrack== The score for ''M Cream'' was composed by Studio Fuzz,<ref>[http://studiofuzz.in/about Studio Fuzz]</ref> consisting of Srijan Mahajan, Arsh Sharma and Nikhil Malik. It features Indian classical singer Shubha Mudgal, Brazilian pop star Lili Rocha and French folk-rock group Moriarty.<ref name="bollywoodhungama"/>
==Reception== 250px|thumb|alt=M Cream at RIIFF|''M Cream'' wins Best Feature at RIIFF. ''M Cream'' premiered at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in 2014 where it received the 'Best Feature Film' award.<ref name="RIIFF">{{cite news | title = M Cream named Best Film at Rhode Island International Film Festival | url = http://www.film-festival.org/award14.php | website = Rhode Island Film Festival | date = 18 August 2014 | accessdate = 2015-08-27 }}</ref> The film traveled to several international festivals. Most notably, the film has been screened at Cork Film Festival, WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival<ref name="worldfest.org">[http://worldfest.org/ WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival]</ref><ref name="hummagazine"/> Internationales Filmfest Braunschweig<ref>[http://www.filmfest-braunschweig.de/home/ Internationales Filmfest Braunschweig] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823005848/http://www.filmfest-braunschweig.de/home/ |date=23 August 2015 }}</ref><ref name="braunschweig"/> Indie Spirit Film Festival,<ref name="indiespiritfilmfestival"/> FilmColumbia Festival,<ref name="rogovoyreport"/> London Indian Film Festival,<ref name="londonindianfilmfestival"/> New York Indian Film Festival,<ref name="crossingstv"/> Chicago South Asian Film Festival,<ref name="festivalfocus"/> Seattle South Asian Film Festival,<ref name="tasveer"/> Arizona International Film Festival,<ref name="filmfestivalarizona"/> Oakland International Film Festival<ref name="sfbayview"/> and Boston International Film Festival.<ref name="bostoniff"/>
Laurence Kardish,<ref>[http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/artist/id/518608/link/jury.html Laurence Kardish] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203410/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/artist/id/518608/link/jury.html |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> curator emeritus of MOMA, commented: <blockquote>"A refreshing, vivid and occasionally delirious road trip of a film into Dharamshala, and beyond into the snowy mountains and canopied forests of Himachal Pradesh where four young and attractive millennials from New Delhi hope their treasure hunt for a fabled stimulant will end blissfully. Directed with verve and panache by NYU graduate Agneya Singh, M Cream, is not only a wildly promising debut feature film, but an eye-popping, propulsive and energetic hybrid of American independent and Bollywood filmmaking."<ref name="filmcolumbiapdf"/></blockquote>
The film was released in India by PVR Pictures on 22 July 2016. Rohit Vats of ''Hindustan Times'' commented, "M Cream is a raw voice of an energetic director."<ref name="hindustantimes"/> Mohar Basu of ''Times of India'' observed, "M Cream is incomprehensible in parts, poignant in others but it is mostly a pointless movie. Though brimming with raw energy, the narrative lacks vision to use it right."<ref name="TOI"/>
==Awards== ;Wins * Grand Prize for Best Feature Film, Rhode Island International Film Festival<ref name="RIIFF"/> * Best Foreign Feature, Indie Spirit Film Festival<ref>[http://www.indiespiritfilmfestival.org/ Indie Spirit Film Festival]</ref><ref name="indiespiritfilmfestival"/> * Platinum REMI, WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival<ref name="worldfest.org"/><ref name="thecitizen"/> * Yellow Rose, Jaipur International Film Festival<ref>[http://www.jiffindia.org/ Jaipur International Film Festival]</ref><ref name="indiantelevision"/> * Honorable Mention, New Jersey Film Festival<ref name="njfilmfest"/>
;Nominations * Audience Award, London Indian Film Festival<ref name="mcreamfilm"/> * Best Feature Film, Seattle South Asian Film Festival<ref>[http://ssaff.tasveer.org/ Seattle South Asian Film Festival]</ref><ref name="mcreamfilm"/> * Best Feature Film, River to River. Florence Indian Film Festival<ref name="mcreamfilm"/> * Best Feature Film, Delhi International Film Festival<ref name="mcreamfilm"/> * Best Actress, Madrid International Film Festival<ref>[http://www.madridinternationalfilmfestival.com/ Madrid International Film Festival]</ref><ref name="madridinternationalfilmfestival"/>
;Accolades * One of the Top 10 Indie Movies of 2014 by Pepsi MTV Indies <ref>[http://pepsimtvindies.com/home Pepsi MTV Indies]</ref><ref name="pepsimtvindies2"/> * One of the "must-see movies" at San Antonio Film Festival by ''San Antonio Express-News''<ref name="mysanantonio"/>
==Political and social issues== Focusing on a realistic appraisal of society and polity, ''M Cream'' touches upon several taboo subjects that are indicative of contemporary forms of rebellion. Most notably, the film has portrayed the widespread use of drugs among the youth. Speaking to ''India Today'', Singh commented: <blockquote>"Hash is hugely popular among the youth and on campuses. It's a counter-cultural movement sweeping our country where the youth is pushing the limits of society and rebelling against social, economic and political uncertainties."<ref name="intoday"/></blockquote>
''M Cream'' provides a socio-political commentary on modern India with an emphasis on understanding the role of rebellion in the ongoing struggle to affect change. In an interview with Indo-Asian News Service, Singh further stated: <blockquote>"I think that we need to bring cinema back into the socio-political sphere and wield it once again as a weapon of the revolution. M Cream is our very own protest against the rising tide of conformity."<ref name="businessstandard"/></blockquote>
==References== {{reflist|2| refs = <ref name="oiff"> {{cite web | url = http://www.oiff.org/inside-the-director-of-m-cream-agneya-singh/http://mcreamfilm.com/ | title = INSIDE THE DIRECTOR OF M CREAM – AGNEYA SINGH | website = oiff.org | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="Netflix"> {{cite web | url = https://www.netflix.com/title/80135074 | title = M Cream on Netflix | website = Netflix | access-date= 2016-11-23 }} </ref>
<ref name="bollywoodhungama">{{cite news | title = In search of sex, drugs and rebellion, M Cream wins accolades abroad | first = | last = | url = http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/5157588/In-search-of-sex-drugs-and-rebellion-M-Cream-wins-accolades-abroad | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150316043419/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/5157588/In-search-of-sex-drugs-and-rebellion-M-Cream-wins-accolades-abroad | url-status = dead | archive-date = 16 March 2015 | newspaper = Bollywood hungama | publisher = | date = 13 March 2015 | accessdate = 2015-08-27 }}</ref> <ref name="pvr"> {{cite web | url = https://www.pvrcinemas.com/comingsoon/Delhi-NCR/m-cream/HO00009549 | website = pvrcinemas.com | title = PVR Cinemas Official Website | access-date= 2016-06-07 }} </ref> <ref name="mcreamfilm"> {{cite web | url = http://mcreamfilm.com/ | website = mcreamfilm.com | title = Official Website | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="thenewsreports"> {{cite web | url = http://www.thenewsreports.com/agneya-singhs-refreshing-take-on-the-revolutionary-role-of-cinema/10936/devrupa-rakshit | website = thenewsreports.com | title = Agneya Singh's refreshing take on the revolutionary role of cinema | date = 17 October 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="npr"> {{cite web | url = https://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/2014/10/09/354808515/the-indian-film-scene-diversifies-even-as-bollywood-dominates | website = npr.org | title = The Indian Film Scene Diversifies, Even As Bollywood Dominates | date = 9 October 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="pepsimtvindies"> {{cite web | url = http://pepsimtvindies.com/buzz/update/m-cream-a-breathtaking-cocktail-of-hash-and-rebellion-52192466.html | website = pepsimtvindies.com | title = M Cream: A Breathtaking Cocktail of Hash and Rebellion | date = 11 September 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="thefilmcatalogue"> {{cite web | url = http://www.thefilmcatalogue.com/catalog/FilmDetail.php?id=17290 | website = thefilmcatalogue.com | title = M Cream - The Film Catalogue / Film Details | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="livemint"> {{cite web | url = http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/NRO2SOoA4zxLFBQFWhQ8XN/M-Cream-youthful-experiments.html | website = livemint.com | title = M Cream: youthful experiments | date = 15 September 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="hummagazine"> {{cite web | url = http://hummagazine.com/2015/03/22/agneya-singh-brings-m-cream-to-wordfest-houston-2015/ | website = hummagazine.com | title = Agneya Singh brings M CREAM to WordFest Houston 2015 | date = 22 March 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="braunschweig">{{cite web | url = http://www.filmfest-braunschweig.de/en/programme/movie-search/details/?user_fifmoviedb_controller%5Bmovie_id%5D=281 | website = filmfest-braunschweig.de | title = M Cream - EUROPA PREMIERE | date = 12 November 2014 | access-date = 2015-08-27 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924012758/http://www.filmfest-braunschweig.de/en/programme/movie-search/details/?user_fifmoviedb_controller%5Bmovie_id%5D=281 | archive-date = 24 September 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
<ref name="indiespiritfilmfestival"> {{cite web | url = http://www.indiespiritfilmfestival.org/and-the-winners-are/ | website = indiespiritfilmfestival.org | title = 7th Annual Indie Spirit Film Festival Awards | date = 12 October 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="rogovoyreport"> {{cite web | url = http://rogovoyreport.com/2014/10/21/filmcolumbia-2014/ | website = rogovoyreport.com | title = FilmColumbia Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Screenings, Panels, Expansion to Hudson | date = 21 October 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="londonindianfilmfestival"> {{cite web | url = http://londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/programme.htm | website = londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk | title = 2015 PROGRAMME | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="crossingstv"> {{cite web | url = http://www.crossingstv.com/nyiff2015/ | website = crossingstv.com | title = 2015 New York Indian Film Festival May 4-9th | date = 1 May 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="festivalfocus"> {{cite web | url = http://www.festivalfocus.org/news/2152/5th-annual-chicago-south-asian-film-festival-presented | website = festivalfocus.org | title = Chicago South Asian Film Festival | date = 1 October 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="tasveer"> {{cite web | url = http://ssaff.tasveer.org/2014/index.php/program/sat-cinema-230-love-crimes-of-kabul-2-21-2-2-26-21/ | website = tasveer.org | title = M Cream | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="filmfestivalarizona"> {{cite web | url = http://www.filmfestivalarizona.com/film-detail.php?id=342 | website = filmfestivalarizona.com | title = M Cream | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="sfbayview"> {{cite web | url = http://sfbayview.com/2015/03/13th-annual-oakland-international-film-festival-april-2-5/ | website = sfbayview.com | title = 13th Annual Oakland International Film Festival April 2–5 | date = 2 March 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="bostoniff">{{cite web | url = http://www.bostoniff.org/attend/2015-film-archive/ | website = bostoniff.org | title = 2015 FILM ARCHIVE | access-date = 2015-08-27 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193840/http://www.bostoniff.org/attend/2015-film-archive/ | archive-date = 23 September 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
<ref name="filmcolumbiapdf"> {{cite web | url = http://www.filmcolumbia.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FilmColumbia-2014-Flyer-.pdf | website = filmcolumbia.org | title = Film Columbia 2014 Flyer | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="thecitizen"> {{cite web | url = http://www.thecitizen.in/NewsDetail.aspx?Id=3364&Indian/Film/M/Cream/wins/top/award/at/WorldFest-Houston | website = thecitizen.in | title = M Cream Wins top Award at Houston Worldfest... | date = 26 April 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="indiantelevision"> {{cite web | url = http://www.indiantelevision.com/movies/hindi/majid-majidi-and-dilip-kumar-get-lifetime-achievement-awards-at-jaipur-international-film-festival-150207 | website = indiantelevision.com | title = Majid Majidi and Dilip Kumar get Lifetime Achievement Awards at Jaipur festival | date = 7 February 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="njfilmfest"> {{cite web | url = http://www.njfilmfest.com/njfilm.html | website = njfilmfest.com | title = New Jersey Film Festivalsm Spring 2016 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="madridinternationalfilmfestival"> {{cite web | url = http://www.madridinternationalfilmfestival.com/madrid-international-film-festival-awards-nominations/ | website = madridinternationalfilmfestival.com | title = Madrid International Film Festival Awards Nominations | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="pepsimtvindies2"> {{cite web | url = http://pepsimtvindies.com/buzz/special/10-indie-movies-of-2014-you-should-definitely-not-miss-52193770.html | website = pepsimtvindies.com | title = 10 Indie Movies of 2014 You Should Definitely Not Miss | date = 6 January 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="mysanantonio"> {{cite web | url = http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/movies-tv/article/Must-see-movies-at-S-A-Film-Festival-6410275.php | website = mysanantonio.com | title = Must-see movies at S.A. Film Festival | date = 29 July 2015 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="intoday"> {{cite web | url = https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/india/north/story/20130408-doping-hash-and-youngsters-smoking-762925-2013-04-02 | website = intoday.in | title = Hooked to Hash | date = 8 April 2013 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref>
<ref name="hindustantimes"> {{cite web | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/m-cream-review-stay-high-stay-happy/story-hj6ybhSxeknDy9CFpq1UCL.html | website = Hindustan Times | title = M Cream review: Stay high, stay happy | date = 23 July 2016 | access-date= 30 November 2016 }} </ref>
<ref name="TOI"> {{cite web | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/M-Cream/movie-review/53301086.cms | website = Times of India | title = M Cream Review | date = 23 July 2016 | access-date= 30 November 2016 }} </ref>
<ref name="businessstandard"> {{cite web | url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/cinema-must-be-a-weapon-of-revolution-filmmaker-agneya-singh-114101600512_1.html | website = business-standard.com | title = Cinema must be a weapon of revolution: Filmmaker Agneya Singh | date = 16 October 2014 | access-date= 2015-08-27 }} </ref> }}
==External links== * {{Official website|http://www.mcreamfilm.com}} * {{IMDb title|tt2963974|M Cream}} * {{rotten-tomatoes|m_cream}}
Category:2014 Hindi-language films Category:2014 Indian films Category:English-language Indian films Category:Indian independent films Category:2014 adventure films Category:2014 films Category:Films shot in Himachal Pradesh Category:Films set in Himachal Pradesh Category:Films shot in Manali, Himachal Pradesh