Sandeep Kumar, an Indian-origin filmmaker based in Austria, presents "Happy," his latest cinematic endeavor delving into the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants confronting deportation. Set against the backdrop of Vienna, the film features Sahidur Rahaman, a Mumbai-based actor, portraying the protagonist, Happy, an Indian immigrant who finds himself denied asylum after residing in Austria for more than a decade.
Kumar, known for his previous work "Mehrunisa," assumes the roles of writer and director for "Happy," crafting a narrative that revolves around an illegal immigrant in Austria grappling with an impending deportation order and his bond with his nine-year-old daughter.
"The film depicts his struggles in seeking happiness for himself and his daughter amidst the looming threat of being expelled from Austria," Kumar explains to PTI.
Happy, hailing from India, refuses to adhere to the deportation directive and opts to remain in Vienna to care for his daughter, Maya, who resides in a children's home. Trapped in a system that exploits him, he toils tirelessly as a newspaper vendor and deliveryman to make ends meet, as described by an Austrian film website.
Kumar reveals that the concept of "Happy" has been brewing since 2012, inspired by the plight of immigrant newspaper sellers in Vienna, primarily from the Indian subcontinent, leading precarious lives.
Initially considering a documentary approach, Kumar shifted gears towards fiction after engaging with immigrants and absorbing their narratives. "I felt more comfortable exploring fiction. Documentary filmmaking isn't my forte," he remarks.
The filmmaker underscores the timeliness of the narrative, citing a surge in deportations of illegal immigrants from Austria in 2023 as a catalyst for storytelling.
Supported by the Austrian Film Commission, "Happy" is slated for a festival circuit debut followed by a theatrical release later this year.
Rahaman, an NSD (National School of Drama) alumnus, immerses himself in the role of Happy, dedicating four months to learning German for authenticity. Kumar commends Rahaman's performance, highlighting his commitment to the character amidst a bustling Mumbai film scene.
