Documentary 'Unreleased' Chronicles Vile Parle's Grassroots Rap Movement
A new documentary titled 'Unreleased', directed by Mumbai-based filmmaker Imran Shamsi, chronicles the rise of the Vile Parle Cypher, a grassroots hip-hop community that gathers on Saturday evenings at Dubhashi Ground in Vile Parle.
The documentary, released on YouTube, traces the evolution of the movement through the personal stories and performances of local rappers. Founded by Kuldeep Jaswant Singh Chandaliya, known by his stage name Deep/Psy, the freestyle community began as an inclusive space after participants found themselves sidelined at other rap events across the city.
Since its inception, around 70 cyphers have been organised at Dubhashi Ground. The open-air sessions draw participants from various backgrounds, including delivery boys, milkmen, rickshaw drivers, and daily-wage labourers, with some travelling from as far as Assam and Nepal to perform. Performances are routinely recorded on smartphones and published online.
Imran, who is also the founder and director of cultural media platform STRT91, initially visited the gathering to shoot a short 90-second video for social media before deciding to turn the project into a full-length film. The filmmaker noted that the artists distinguish themselves by focusing on personal vulnerabilities, family struggles, economic hardships, and national politics rather than conventional rap themes.
The film also highlights how performers identify themselves by their area pin codes to establish a sense of belonging and representation, bypassing distinctions of religion, caste, or profession.
In addition to the collective scene, 'Unreleased' examines Kuldeep's personal life and his mother's deteriorating health during filming. Kuldeep's mother passed away shortly before the documentary was released.
Following the YouTube release, the filmmaker stated that plans are underway to hold additional screenings and launch a series featuring independent rappers from across the country based on the quality of their work.
