Rajiv Rai on his new films, ‘Zora’ and ‘Zoravar’

Rajiv Rai discusses his new films, ‘Zora’ and its companion film ‘Zoravar’. He is back after 21 years. He took on the roles of writer, editor, director, and producer and distributor. He’s opting for a small release, foregoing traditional advertising. The films are interconnected, forming a narrative. The films were shot and edited. The aim was to make a film with a low budget. He wanted to create something with a strong visual experience. He shot with minimal equipment, collaborating with co-producer Rashid Rangrez. He kept the costs down, with a lean crew. The budget for the actors was low. He aimed to tell an engaging story and pay attention to detail. He is trying to set an example. The story is a murder mystery. The films are different from his previous work. His approach was planned in 2018. He is trying to create something different, honest, and to set an example for the industry. He believes most filmmakers need to embrace smaller budgets.