"Jo Jo Laali... a heart wrenching lullaby" acquired by Quantum for worldwide distribution

Former journalist and filmmaker Sundeep Malani's “Jo Jo Laali... Heart Rendering Lullaby” - a 40 minute short film, has received not only rave reviews from those who have managed to see the film, but is now picked up by QUANTUM, a Hollywood Production House, to release the film across the world. This short film has created a lof of noise as it is scheduled to be showcased at a number of film festivals around India.

Shot completely in the city of Mumbai, the film is based on the relationship of a mother and child who are both affected by the AIDS virus. While the names are unknown to most people who are unfamiliar with South cinema, it stars Kalpana Pandit of Moksh and Gajagamini fame. She is not only the lead actress but has also produced this film. She is sharing screen space along with Akash Hora and the young Shrey Tejani who will steal the audiences hearts for sure. The highlights of the film include a Tandav dance similar to the one seen in Chandni by Sridevi who happens to be the director’s favorite actress. The dance is a dedication from the director to Sridevi.

The film is in Hindi, Kannada and in English but Sundeep says “it will appeal to audiences irrespective of the language. Those who have had the privilege to see the film cannot stop gushing over this heart wrenching story which not only deals with an issue that is normally seen as a taboo but is frowned upon in India.”

New comer music directors Ricky Tej and Ameya Naik have done a wonderful job as the music is also praise worthy. The film’s music is actually a "blend of classical and western", and does remind of the fusion music composed by Ananda Shankar. Talking about how the movie’s title came about, Sundeep reveals that majorly all mothers sing Jo Jo Laali, a famous lullaby, which even his mother did to him as a child. And this was how the title came about.

A renowned director in South India whose films are often seen making much noise at the box office down south, Malani has also pitched in with Onir in his upcoming “I AM series”. Though being associated with Onir, one might try to find an uncanny similarity to Onir’s My Brother Nikhil, Sundeep is convinced that his Jo Jo is very different because the main protagonist is a young boy who innocently infects the dreaded disease.

Having created a lot of noise and also receiving a lot of accolades, Suneep is looking forward to send his film to the National Awards next year in the short film category. And who knows, the film that has managed to create quite an impact and awareness might enthuse the jury on the panel as well.