Mumbai, Sep 22 (NationPress) The mother-daughter pair of Alia Bhatt and Soni Razdan is showcasing their film ‘Difficult Daughters’ at the Busan Asian Project Market. They have shared insights into their vision for this adaptation of Manju Kapur’s celebrated novel.

‘Difficult Daughters’ unfolds across two distinct timelines, centering on Virmati, the eldest of ten siblings in a traditional Punjabi family in 1940s Lahore. Driven by her aspirations for education and love, she defies societal expectations, facing unforeseen repercussions when she becomes the second wife of a married professor.

Fast forward to 2022, her granddaughter Simar grapples with a failing marriage and a secret affair; uncovering Virmati’s concealed history compels her to confront her estranged mother, Ila.

Soni Razdan expressed to variety.com that Kapur’s novel sparked a vivid visual response.

“When I first read the book years ago, it captivated me as being particularly cinematic. It vividly describes both the inner lives of the characters and the tangible world around them,” she noted.

She revealed that she envisioned the story long before contemplating its adaptation into a film.

Razdan elaborated: “While a nation stood on the brink of independence, a young girl was battling for her own rights… At its heart, this film is a deeply personal narrative, or rather – narratives – set across two different eras.”

Having previously featured in ‘Yours Truly’, which was screened at Busan in 2018, Razdan has returned this year as the director of ‘Difficult Daughters’.

She emphasized the importance of authenticity in recreating the past.

“Recreating a 1940s small town in Amritsar, Punjab is essential, but equally crucial is casting. Hence, actors, costumes, and set design are pivotal for ‘Difficult Daughters’. And let’s not forget the music… there’s ample opportunity to creatively blend the past with the present.”

Alia, one of India’s biggest stars and head of Eternal Sunshine Productions, regards this project as both personal and reflective of her company’s vision, according to variety.com.

“At Eternal Sunshine, we constantly seek stories that resonate deeply and linger with audiences long after the credits roll. ‘Difficult Daughters’ is certainly one of those,” Alia stated.

“It’s incredibly special to have my mother directing it, but what makes it truly exceptional for me is our shared conviction in this narrative… Busan is a beautiful initial step in its journey, and we hope the film continues to foster dialogue and connections wherever it travels — because stories like this transcend borders; they are universal,” she shared with variety.com.