By Valentine Morara
Hi Terrell, how are you today?
I’m really excited to discuss this project with you, Valentine. As a filmmaker, I’ve experienced my fair share of ups and downs, but this project feels like my “Rocky.”
That’s a bold comparison. Why call it your Rocky?
When Stallone created Rocky, he aimed to show that audiences still craved stories rooted in emotions, the decisions we face, and the power of unconditional love.. So Stallone infused the character with his own struggles, philosophy, and personality, making the film deeply relatable and his character authentic. Similarly, how I created Joshua Kent, the protagonist of A Mumbai Love Story, I’m using that same passion as Stallone to approach this project and the characters. Joshua reflects my philosophy and wrestles with the emotional curveballs life can throw at you. Like Rocky, this story has the potential to evolve into something greater as it weaves together crime, action, family, and emotion. A Mumbai Love Story has all the makings of a great franchise.
You’ve taken on many roles as actor, writer, associate producer, stand-up comic, and now the executive producer of A Mumbai Love Story. How did it all begin?
My screenwriting journey began in Cologne, Germany, where I performed stand-up at Johnny Hollywood’s Comedy Nights in clubs. This opened doors to television appearances, the Cologne Comedy Festivals, and a show called Nightwash, hosted by Klaus Jürgen Deuser, eventually making me a favorite in the German comedy scene. Gerhard Schmidt, the CEO of Cologne-Gemini Film Produktion GmbH, gave me my first big break in screenwriting. Since then, I’ve acted in and produced the Amazon Prime TV series Sangre Negra: Black Blood, written the script The Loyal Disorder (based on the true story of a Chicago Outfit enforcer), and I’m preparing to play Samson in Crossbones & Roses.
Do you still speak German?
I’m not as fluent as I used to be since I rarely get the opportunity to use the language anymore. I still understand more than I can speak, though. I used to take pride in speaking with a Cologne accent instead of an American one, but now, whenever I do speak, I can hear my American accent, and I’m not a fan of it. (laughing)
Let’s dive into A Mumbai Love Story. What’s it about?
It’s about a former CIA operative from the United States named Joshua Kent. He now drives a taxi in Mumbai, haunted by the loss of his wife, which left him wracked with guilt and dark thoughts. Driving keeps him busy, but he’s just drifting through life. Everything changes when two things happen: first, he stops the kidnapping of a young girl from a powerful Mumbai family and agrees to testify against the criminals.
Then he meets Aahana, a single mom, and her 11-year-old daughter, Vamika. What starts as Joshua coaching Vamika in basketball turns into a father–daughter bond that gives him a new sense of purpose. But when she’s kidnapped to silence him, that bond is tested. He must dig deep and rely on his old skills to rescue her. If you enjoyed Man on Fire or The Man from Nowhere, this film delivers a similar intensity, but with a heartfelt love story intertwined.
Hasn’t this theme been explored before?
Yes and no, this story focuses more on healing and connection rather than retribution. The bond between Joshua and Vamika demonstrates that children are not born with prejudice; it is something they learn over time with their family.
Additionally, Joshua’s romance with Aahana challenges typical narratives. In Indian cinema, interracial relationships often default to pairings of a white man with an Indian woman or vice versa. However, audiences are eager for more authentic and diverse representations.
Consider “Namaste Wahala,” which revolves around a romance between a Nigerian woman and an Indian man and was number one on Netflix for several weeks. Similarly, Mira Nair’s “Mississippi Masala,” featuring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury, showcases the significant demand for these kinds of stories.
Who else is in the cast?
Robin Dieana. He’s a French actor and model who’s made a name for himself in South Korea. People know him from Abnormal Summit, and he’s acted in films and K-dramas like A Birth, The Impossible Heir, and Red Swan.
I wrote the role specifically with him in mind. In the film, his restaurant functions like Rick’s Café in Casablanca, a hub where key characters and storylines intersect. Robin already has a solid fan base, especially among K-drama audiences, so he’ll help the movie connect with viewers around the globe.
How do you know Robin?
We got introduced through our mutual friend, Noella Jung, a talented South Korean actress and renowned violinist.
And what about production?
I am co-producing with Northern Colors Entertainment in Mumbai, run by Piyush and Ruchir Wasule. They’re passionate about pushing boundaries in Indian cinema, and with A Mumbai Love Story, they want to deliver something heartfelt, thrilling, and fresh. Shooting begins in the summer of 2026.
What’s the budget?
310,000 US
That’s pretty lean. How do you make it work?
Big-name actors can swallow 40–70% of a budget. By working with rising talent and local Mumbai actors, we keep costs down and authenticity high. And let’s be honest: big names don’t guarantee success. Films like Vicky Donor, which marked Ayushmann Khurrana’s debut, had a budget of $453,200 and went on to gross nearly $8 million.. In contrast, Paranormal Activity was produced for just $15,000 but went on to earn $193 million. Meanwhile, Terrifier 2 had a budget of $250,000 and grossed $55 million. The Japanese film One Cut of the Dead had a budget of $25,000 and achieved a worldwide box office total of $31.2 million. These examples demonstrate that if a story resonates with audiences, they will turn out to watch it.
What’s the return structure for investors?
Investors first receive 110% of their initial investment before any profits are distributed. Once that is settled, the remaining profits are divided equally—50% goes to the investors (proportional to their contributions) and 50% is allocated to the producers and distributors.
In the case of multiple investors, each will reclaim 110% of their investment, and the profit distribution will be in proportion to the respective amounts they invested. We’re also open to product placement opportunities
Some people might say film investing is too risky. How do you respond?
Fortune favors the bold, but success requires more than just courage. This project features strong genre appeal, a relatable story, and a carefully managed budget. By focusing on a global narrative and a high-performing genre, we enhance our chances of success.
Thanks for the interview, Terrell. Wishing you great success with your project. What’s the best way for a potential investor to get in touch with you?
Thank you, Valentine.
Contact info:
Terrell Holden: Executive Producer
C: WhatsApp + 1 847 809 3707
Valentine Morara – Artistic Bio
Valentine Morara, a native of Kenya, is a storyteller in bloom, balancing her studies in Corporate Communication and Management with her passion for the arts. Her work is driven by a poetic curiosity exploring love, identity, and connection with honesty and depth. Blending professionalism with creativity, Valentine is shaping a path where communication and art meet to inspire and resonate across cultures
