Tariq Vasudeva on ‘Circus’: India’s Entry at Moscow International Film Festival Tackling Social Realities

Saurabh Tankha

“It is an attempt at putting up a mirror to society that is difficult to watch. We must remind ourselves of the circumstances that we live in, and this film is an attempt at doing that. If some people perceive it to be problematic, that is fine with me as long as the film starts a conversation and helps us get to the root of the issue,” says debut director Tariq Vasudeva about his short film Circus.

‘Circus’ at Moscow International Film Festival

Delhi-born Tariq’s film was India’s only entry at the 40th Moscow International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone for the young filmmaker.

Set in modern-day urban India, Circus portrays a stark “concrete jungle” marked by deep class divisions and contrasting lifestyles. The narrative follows two parallel lives:

• A corporate woman struggling to find acceptance in a male-dominated workplace
• A domestic worker in an affluent household grappling with identity and purpose

As their journeys unfold, the consequences are both intense and unsettling—forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable social realities.

Addressing Violence and Social Conditioning

“In the present times, we all have strong opinions on violence against women. But to truly understand why it exists, we must examine all possible causes, step by step,” says Tariq.

He emphasises the need to understand how societal conditions shape the psychology of the Indian man, adding that such introspection is essential to addressing what he calls a “national crisis.”

From Actor to Independent Filmmaker

Before turning director, Tariq appeared in the award-winning short film Kusum – The Flower Bud, along with featuring in television commercials and theatre productions across India.

Now, he is working towards his next goal—a feature film.

“Once the script is complete, I will begin raising funds. The biggest challenge for an independent filmmaker is securing funding, but I’m hopeful that people will believe in the story and support it,” he shares.

Education and Theatre Background

Born and raised in New Delhi, Tariq studied at The Shri Ram School before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts from Denison University.

While he studied history, his primary focus was theatre. He performed extensively during his college years and later worked professionally in Chicago with reputed theatre groups such as Silk Road Theatre Project and Vitalist Theatre.

After returning to India, he moved to Mumbai to continue his journey in theatre before founding his own production house, Open Sky Productions. Since then, he has directed several corporate training films for leading organisations.

Challenges of Breaking into the Film Industry

Was it easy convincing his parents about his career choice?

“My parents are liberal and supportive, but the fear of the unknown is always there—especially since we don’t have industry connections,” he says.

He candidly acknowledges the struggles of independent filmmaking in India:
“A little success does not change anything. You constantly have to prove yourself. Being an independent filmmaker here is like a battle of David vs Goliath.”

Influences and Inspirations

Tariq draws inspiration from a wide range of artists. Among actors, he admires Charlie Chaplin and Jim Carrey for their ability to blend comedy with strong social messaging.

Among filmmakers, he looks up to legends such as:

• Satyajit Ray
• Guru Dutt
• Stanley Kubrick
• Michael Haneke

He also credits Mohan Madgulkar for mentorship and inspiration during his professional journey.

Future Plans: Exploring Art in All Forms

Looking ahead, Tariq is clear about his artistic vision.

“I want to continue creating—whether it is films, theatre, music, painting, or dance. All art forms are interconnected, and I hope to explore them all,” he says.

His ultimate goal is to create meaningful work that contributes to important social conversations and inspires change.

With Circus, Tariq Vasudeva positions himself as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle complex social issues. His journey—from theatre and acting to independent filmmaking—reflects both passion and perseverance in an industry known for its challenges.