Mastram(2014)
Mastram is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Akhilesh Jaiswal. The film stars Rahul Bagga as Rajaram and Tara Alisha Berry as his wife Renu. It tells the fictional story of a small-town bank clerk who becomes the anonymous author of bestselling erotic pulp fiction in 1980s and 90s North India. The narrative explores his struggle between literary ambition and commercial success, and the loneliness of hidden fame. The film premiered at the Mumbai Film Festival in October 2013 before its theatrical release on 9 May 2014. It received an A certificate from the Indian Censor Board and was praised for its meditative, melancholic tone.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 9 May 2014
- Director
- Akhilesh Jaiswal
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Rating
- 4.8/10
Storyline
A small-town bank clerk named Rajaram dreams of being a famous writer. After his literary novel is rejected, a publisher demands he add sensational 'masala' to his work. He adopts the pen name Mastram and writes erotic stories that become massive bestsellers. But his success comes at a cost — he cannot reveal his identity and loses himself in the process.
“The man behind the orgasms.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film is loosely inspired by the life of a famous Hindi pulp fiction writer who used the pen name Mastram.
- Director Akhilesh Jaiswal previously co-wrote the acclaimed crime drama 'Gangs of Wasseypur'.
- The film was shot on location in Gwalior to capture the authentic small-town atmosphere.
- It explores the societal taboo around erotic literature in conservative Indian society.
- The movie had a very limited theatrical release and gained more attention through home video and streaming.
- Actor Rahul Bagga, who plays the lead, had primarily done television work before this film.
- The soundtrack features a song by the popular band 'The Local Train'.
- Despite its adult theme, the film focuses more on the protagonist's creative struggle than explicit content.