Aditya Kripalani, born on October 20, 1981, is an Indian filmmaker, writer, musician, and producer whose creative works have left an indelible mark on independent cinema. Kripalani’s bold and fearless storytelling style tackles complex societal issues, from gender inequality to mental health, capturing the pulse of contemporary India. Best known for his films such as Tikli and Laxmi Bomb, Tottaa Pataaka Item Maal, and Not Today, he has earned a reputation for his uncompromising vision and unflinching narratives.
A Journey of Words: Novelist to Filmmaker
Before stepping into the world of filmmaking, Aditya Kripalani’s journey began as a novelist. His first two novels, Back Seat and Front Seat, both received critical praise for their vivid portrayal of life in Mumbai. DNA India lauded Front Seat, noting how Kripalani dives into the psyche of his characters, providing readers with an intimate experience of Mumbai’s underbelly, especially through the lens of bar dancers.
His third novel, Tikli and Laxmi Bomb, was met with similar acclaim and served as a precursor to his venture into filmmaking. The novel was praised for its gripping realism, painting a raw and authentic portrait of two sex workers rebelling against the patriarchal structure of the world they inhabit.
Tikli and Laxmi Bomb: A Groundbreaking Debut by Aditya Kripalani
In 2017, Aditya Kripalani made his directorial debut with Tikli and Laxmi Bomb, an adaptation of his own novel. The film took the global independent film circuit by storm, winning Best Feature Film at the 10th Berlin Independent Film Festival and Best Film on Gender Equality at the 20th UK Asian Film Festival.
It also bagged multiple awards at the New Jersey Film Festival and the Out of the Can Film Festival in Derby. Tikli and Laxmi Bomb is much more than a feminist narrative—it’s a call for societal change, centered on two women in Mumbai’s red-light district who challenge male domination.
The film received widespread acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of women’s struggles in a male-dominated society. The Sunday Guardian wrote that the film stands as a “gripping, no-holds-barred realist novel,” effectively translated onto the screen. Kripalani’s storytelling bravely ventures where few filmmakers dare to go, ensuring his films not only entertain but also ignite thought-provoking conversations around deeply entrenched societal issues.
Challenging the Norms with Tottaa Pataaka Item Maal
Aditya Kripalani’s sophomore directorial venture, Tottaa Pataaka Item Maal (2018), was a testament to his fearless approach to filmmaking. The film tackles the pervasive issue of rape culture in India, told through a narrative that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. It opened at the prestigious Garden State Film Festival and later screened at the UK Asian Film Festival. The Independent Critic hailed it as “brave filmmaking that improves lives and changes the world.”
Tottaa Pataaka Item Maal is a powerful story of four women who, after years of feeling unsafe, decide to take matters into their own hands. Kripalani’s fearless direction keeps viewers on edge, urging them to confront the horrifying reality of violence against women.
Devi Aur Hero: A Sensitive Exploration of Mental Health
In 2019, Aditya Kripalani directed his third film, Devi Aur Hero, a deeply personal narrative that explores mental health and addiction. The film went on to win the prestigious NETPAC Award for Best Film at the 25th Kolkata International Film Festival. The jury praised the film for its “extremely sensitive exploration of mental disturbance and the ravages of addiction.”
With Devi Aur Hero, Aditya Kripalani shed light on the mental health struggles that are often brushed under the rug in Indian society. His nuanced approach to such delicate themes demonstrates his ability to create art that not only entertains but also provides an empathetic lens through which viewers can understand the human condition.
Not Today: A Testament to Aditya Kripalani’s Commitment to Change
Kripalani’s fourth film, Not Today (2021), continues his journey of challenging societal norms. The film won the prestigious FIPRESCI International Critics Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival and was recognized at the UK Asian Film Festival and the New Jersey Film Festival. Not Today explores the intersection of life, death, and suicide, and urges viewers to have difficult conversations about mental health.
Not Today is a powerful reminder of Kripalani’s ongoing commitment to using film as a vehicle for social change. His focus on the human experience—often uncomfortable, always authentic—marks him as a filmmaker who doesn’t just tell stories, but reshapes the way we see the world.
From Filmmaking to Advertising: A Multifaceted Career
Aditya Kripalani’s talents extend beyond filmmaking. He has worked as a writer and Creative Director in the advertising world with agencies like Lintas, JWT Singapore, Leo Burnett Kuala Lumpur, and McCann Singapore. His work in advertising, like his novels and films, is marked by a distinct intention to provoke thought and inspire change. Whether through an advertisement, a song, or a feature film, Kripalani’s mission is clear: to challenge social issues and create a world that is more empathetic and just.