Event Details

Documentary Film Screening

An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Cinema Collective

The Reality Check film series promotes and encourages documentary filmmakers in India, whose work reflects life and culture in the country today in a provocative blend of creativity and integrity.

The Show Must Go On

English, Hindi & Gujarati Film with English Subtitles (60 mins)

After decades of dormancy, the ageing icons of Parsi theatre return to the stage, putting aside their walking sticks and wheelchairs. Plunging into rehearsals, this documentary chronicles the resilience of a singular cast of characters that want nothing more than to go out with a bang. For most of them it will be the last time on stage after careers spanning over half a century. As the film tumbles headfirst into the creative chaos of rehearsals, we get an intimate portrait of the bonds shared between veteran stars and youngsters, along with a distinct flavour of their sensibilities, marked by a particular brand of not-so-subtle humour that is uniquely their own. The actors want to put up the best show they can. In a way, this film is also very much about celebrating old age. About how people considered well past their prime, still have so much to give, while being their flawed and joyous selves. A great tragedy befalls the cast on the eve of the final show. Will it change everything? Or will the show go on, despite all odds?

The film premiered at Film Southasia in Kathmandu in April 2022. Since then, it has played in several festivals around the world, won Best Documentary at the 8th Logcinema Theatre on Films, Buenos Aires, and was most recently selected as the opening film at IFFI Goa, 2022.

Directed by Divya Cowasji
Co-Directed & Edited by Jall Cowasji
Cinematographed by Divya Cowasji
Sound by Anindo Bose
Cast: Ruby Patel, Burjor Patel, Bomi Dotiwala, Dolly Dotiwala, Dinyar Contractor, Moti Antia & Meher Marfatia

The film screening will be followed by a discussion.

NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 10 minutes prior to the screening time.
After registered patrons have taken their seats, the seats will be made available to unregistered patrons on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, online registration available on BookMyShow for limited seats. Please arrive at the venue 45 minutes early for those who registered via BookMyShow to confirm the registration.