Kochi: ‘Barah x Barah’, directed by Gaurav Madan, was applauded by the audience when it was screened at the ongoing International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) here. 

This film narrates the tale of a photographer who clicks the last photographs of the dead at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat. Shot on film camera, the colours, moods and the landscape of Varanasi have been brought to life in the film.

The film follows the protagonist as he embarks on a journey around the circle of life and death only to discover that his own death will be documented by his son with his own camera. Every single character of the film witnesses a unique version of migration, where it is discovered that death alone is a migration to an unknown world.

Varanasi, the place itself, is said to have posed a big challenge in filming this movie. Another major challenge was to discipline oneself along with disciplining the crew members as well. The film has been completed in 179 shots. 

Speaking at a Question and Answer session organised post-screening of the film, Gaurav Madan said that he was in full control while shooting the interiors, but filming the exterior shots proved challenging.

To a question on the cost of production, replied that since he had done many advertisements and had made connections, he could easily crack some deals with the help of them. But he had to spend a little more in making this film than one would spend making digital films.