IRS Officer's Debut Film Shines at Kolkata International Film Festival: 'Kathakar Ki Diary'

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Kolkata, India - In a rare feat, a serving Indian Revenue Service officer has made a successful transition from tax administration to cinema with his debut film 'Kathakar Ki Diary: The Story of Ordinary Lives'. The movie premiered at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival under the Asian Select Netpac category. Directed by Anwesh, a Joint Commissioner in the GST department in Pune, the film explores themes of diversity, resilience, and human connection through the lives of five ordinary people. The film, which was made on a budget of under $15,000, has already gained international recognition, winning several awards including Best Film at the International New York Film Festival and Best International Feature Film at the Director's Cut International Film Festival in Vancouver. Anwesh expressed gratitude to the over 200 independent and tribal artists, including members of the Hill Kharia community, who volunteered their time and talents to bring the project to life. The film's editor, National Award-winning Aseem Sinha, offered his services without charge, while veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha praised the film as 'deeply human and emotionally rich'. Anwesh, who holds a Master's degree in performing arts, believes that his experience in the IRS has taught him about structure and empathy, while filmmaking has taught him the importance of listening. With 'Kathakar Ki Diary', Anwesh has demonstrated his ability to balance his administrative duties with his creative passion and serve people through his art.