MUMBAI MIRROR (July 19, 2019)

A force to reckon with in the Indian film distribution circle—enterprising film producer and Managing Partner of Soham Rockstar Entertainment, Deepak Mukut has over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry.

Upholding his father, the former founding member of Zee Group and producer of Nargis and Teerandaz, Kamal Mukut’s penchant for family-oriented cinema with mass appeal, Deepak has produced several worthwhile films in the recent past, apart from acquiring the negative rights of over more than 500 films.

Having learnt the nuances of the business and filmmaking by working as an assistant director for senior directors and producers, Deepak knows the art and the business of cinema well. We caught up with the young entrepreneur ahead of the release of his film, Jhootha Kahin Ka, starring Rishi Kapoor, Omkar Kapoor, and Sunny Singh.

What’s your company’s vision?
We aspire to be a world class institute that supports filmmakers and talent, engages the community and expands the appreciation of good quality cinema.

Tell us about the journey so far?
It has been gratifying and challenging. We started off with distribution of movies, then dabbled in TV production where we were the first introduce innovation such as film trailers on national television, integration of film personalities in television shows, and this was followed by film production. We have produced movies like Sanam Teri Kasam, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Mulk and Genius. We are also into the movie exhibition business and we own multiplexes in Jaipur with a few more in the pipeline.

Give us an insight on the scope of the film business with respect to the Indian diaspora…
The film industry is growing by leaps and bounds. New talent is being welcomed, newer theatre chains are being launched, major advertising revenues are being directed towards digital content, technology and will further enhance theatrical film viewing experience in the near future. The focus is more on Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.

Apart from film production what is it that you do?
I am currently focusing on revamping my existing distribution and film making model. However, in my free time I am a community volunteer for social causes and charities including Rotary Club Juhu.

What according to you is that a critical quality in an entrepreneur?
According to me, it is the ability to never compromise on your dream and follow it through with discipline, passion and commitment. One has to be a self-starter with a strong work ethic and interpersonal skills.

Who are some of the directors and actors you would like to work with?
I would definitely like to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anurag Kashyap, Kabir Khan, and Luv Ranjan.

What is turnover of your company and what is the expected growth?
We wish to grow by 40 per cent by 2020. We aim to be one of the largest content houses of India, with diversification into digital films, web series, short films, social and digital content delivery network with existing focus being on feature films; I am recruiting some of the most diversified and experienced creative talent of India to help me in this mission. I am also working on creating the largest lean theatre chains for content delivery through theatrical projections, which will be a game changer in the business.

What’s next?
Our current slate is looking very promising with a multitude of web series, web shows, and feature films with critically acclaimed directors and actors. Some are in pre-production stage and some are on the floors. I am also open to receiving good scripts and working with new and experienced talent.

Jhootha Kahin Ka is directed by Smeep Kang, produced by Deepak Mukut and Anuj Sharma, under the banner of Shantketan Entertainment and presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment. The film releases today.