Executive producer Guneet Monga discusses how she is seeking money to make sure the short film makes it to the nominations after Anuja was shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars.
The ending of 2024 couldn’t have been more ideal for Guneet Monga Kapoor. She is the executive producer of the short film Anuja, which was just shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars in the Best Live Action Short Film category last week. The film, which was directed by Adam J. Graves, illuminates the terrible reality of child labor in New Delhi.In a recent interview, Monga said that the amount of money raised exceeded the film’s budget and that she is actively seeking more money to guarantee the movie moves on to the next stage.
Guneet Monga recently spoke with Mid Day about the executive producers’ and the team’s work on Anuja’s fundraising and PR campaign management. She disclosed that the amount of money raised exceeded the real budget for the movie. Monga did concede, though, that the true test is still to come. Having won two Academy Awards, she described how they are concentrating on making sure the short film receives a nomination. Monga revealed that she has been spending her time calling, contacting people, encouraging Anuja, and obtaining more funds.
She is also choosing the ideal venue for the movie and planning its release. She drew on years of expertise to highlight the team’s dedication to moving the project forward and expressed hope for a nomination, crossing their fingers for the next round of the process. Additionally, Monga revealed that this year’s Kill and Gyaarah Gyaarah projects had been immensely satisfying for them. She clarified that even if some people questioned the viability and attractiveness of Kill, their intention was to make a high-octane action movie.
They were still determined to produce it in its purest form, though. She added that the emphasis has always been on delivering the greatest tale possible, just like with earlier hits like The Lunchbox (2013), Masaan (2015), and The Elephant Whisperers (2022).
With hope for the future, Monga disclosed that Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan will be starring in their upcoming movie. A significant announcement is scheduled for January 2024, she added. Monga underlined that independent producers who have endured the test of time are making a comeback in India. She thinks that producers should take the initiative and have faith in their concept right now. According to Monga, producers’ contributions are frequently undervalued, but she believes that now is the moment for them to regain their position as industry leaders.
