Shreela Agarwal, the multifaceted filmmaker, editor, and screenwriter, has once again proved her mettle with her latest film, BMCLD. Our dear founder of Zeitgeist, Shreela has carved a niche in both the literary and cinematic worlds. Her latest endeavor, BMCLD, is not just a film; it’s a poignant narrative about resilience, heritage, and the human cost of progress.
A Director's Journey
Shreela’s creative journey began in Delhi, but it was her adolescent years in Mumbai that shaped her storytelling ethos. After graduating with a degree in Film from Lasalle College of Arts, Singapore, she embarked on a sabbatical from filmmaking to pursue her passion for boxing, a sport she holds dear. However, an injury nudged her back toward the world of cinema, allowing her to merge her love for storytelling and boxing.
Her previous work, My Brother, earned international acclaim, with its premiere at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) and screenings at prestigious platforms like DIFF and NYIFF. Winning the CAPA 2021 CILECT Award for Best Film, it cemented Shreela’s reputation as a filmmaker with a unique voice.
The Story Behind BMCLD
The inspiration for BMCLD came from Shreela’s personal experiences and observations of
Mumbai’s rapid transformation. The city of dreams is a paradox, constantly evolving in pursuit of better infrastructure and living conditions but often at the cost of displacing communities and erasing traditions. One such community is the Bombay Municipal Corporation Labour Department (BMCLD) Boxing Club in Mahalaxmi. This club, a bastion of Mumbai’s rich boxing history, serves as the film’s centerpiece. Through BMCLD, Shreela captures the bittersweet tale of this boxing club, the sacrifices made by its members, and the unyielding determination of its coach, Bipinkumar Mahida.
The Legacy of Bipinkumar Mahida
A former champion turned mentor, Bipinkumar Mahida’s life is the heartbeat of the BMCLD
story. Starting his boxing journey at the age of 11, Bipin went on to become a six-time
Maharashtra state gold medalist and a gold medalist at the Open National Boxing Championship.
Despite retiring from competitive boxing due to growing responsibilities, Bipin never let his
passion fade. For the past 14 years, he has been coaching at the BMCLD club, striving to
preserve its legacy and nurture the next generation of boxers. His dedication to keeping the sport alive amidst the challenges of urbanization forms the emotional core of the film.
A Tale Worth Telling
Shreela’s BMCLD is a celebration of perseverance and community spirit. It raises questions
about the cost of progress while honoring the individuals who fight to protect their heritage.
As Shreela eloquently states in her Director’s Statement:
"In Mumbai, the city of dreams, one thing that remains constant is change. But have
we stopped to consider what we might be losing in the process? Or the pain
experienced by those who have to uproot their lives for this supposed progress?"
With BMCLD, Shreela Agarwal reminds us that progress and tradition can coexist, as long as we have the courage to listen to stories like those of the BMCLD Boxing Club.
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