Meet Randeep | Film Director & Post-Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Randeep and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randeep, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk has never been about adrenaline—it’s always been about alignment: spiritual alignment, personal truth. I’ve never been someone who takes leaps just to feel alive. I take them when something deep inside me insists that I must. It’s an inner push, sometimes a whisper, other times a scream. And I’ve learned to listen to that voice, even when it makes no logical sense. Especially then.

One of the riskiest moves I ever made was dropping my work in Kuala Lumpur and flying to Los Angeles to study filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. I didn’t come from a film background. I had no guarantees, no industry contacts. What I did have was the residue of a calling that had started years before—when I found myself digitizing and restoring old audio-video tapes for a client. That project wasn’t glamorous, but it lit something in me. It gave me a glimpse into storytelling through sound and image. That led me into Audio Engineering, then into photography and filming classical concerts. And eventually into directing and editing narrative work.

But the journey hasn’t been linear or romantic. There were moments where risk did backfire—not in catastrophic ways, but in spiritually confusing ones. Like after my audio engineering program, I realized that it wasn’t my destination—just a stepping stone. That shook me. Besides financial pressure and emotional resistance from the family, I felt like I had taken a wrong turn, even though I now see it was necessary.

The second moment was in Kuala Lumpur when I was shooting corporate events and social gigs. On paper, I was doing creative work. But inside, I felt disconnected. I wasn’t grounded in any larger vision. I didn’t know what my final form was meant to be—editor, videographer, technician? I was lost in a blur, haunted by the sense that there was something greater calling me—but I couldn’t name it yet.

That period—my own “dark night of the soul”—was painful. I wasn’t fulfilled creatively or spiritually. And I didn’t believe I could ever be a filmmaker or a writer. It felt…impossible. Too far. Too unreal.

But that’s when the quiet shift happened. I stopped trying to predict the future or define myself by labels. I just said: let me take one step. Let me go to film school. Let me learn. And let me trust.

That first risk—to even believe I was allowed to dream like that—changed everything.

There are financial constraints, but none of it matters when your inner compass is clear. I believe everyone has a story to tell, and mine is unfolding with divine timing. My intuition has helped me recognize the difference between fear and misalignment. When I feel that resonance within—that this path is mine, however foggy or far—I follow it.

So yes, for me, risk isn’t recklessness. It’s obedience to truth.

Since then, I’ve written and directed my debut short film, ENVY, which has traveled across continents—earning awards at festivals in New York, Singapore, and Kolkata and receiving official selections from Los Angeles, Stockholm City, Amsterdam, and Kerala. That film, for me, wasn’t about chasing prestige—it was about finally honoring that inner calling. About stepping into authorship.

My work today is grounded in cinematic storytelling, marked by intense emotional tones, carefully crafted production design, and evocative, moody color grading. Whether I’m behind the camera, in the editing suite, or shaping the texture of a scene through color, I always return to one thing: how it feels. Because that’s what lingers. That’s what moves people. That’s the truth I’m here to tell.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is centered around emotional intensity and cinematic storytelling. I gravitate toward exploring the darker, more complex aspects of human emotion—envy, insecurity, and desire. I create films that are moody and immersive, where every frame is carefully crafted to evoke atmosphere. My expertise as an editor and colorist allows me to amplify that emotional depth, creating a unique visual style that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

What sets me apart is my unconventional path. I started in technology with a background in audio engineering and web development before discovering my true passion for storytelling. My journey wasn’t straightforward—it was filled with moments of uncertainty and questioning. But through every challenge, I followed my intuition and embraced the belief that I could carve my path in filmmaking.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. There were periods when I felt lost, unsure of my direction, but each step brought me closer to clarity. My experience at the New York Film Academy helped me channel my creativity, and my debut short film ENVY became a turning point. The recognition it received at multiple international film festivals affirmed that I was on the right track.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but vital: trust your instincts and be patient with your growth. I want the world to know that my work is more than just entertainment—it’s about exploring human truths, creating connections through stories that are raw and real. This is the essence of my filmmaking, and it’s what drives me every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here’s how I’d plan the itinerary!

Day 1 – Welcome to L.A. + Iconic Intro
• Breakfast at Café Gratitude (Larchmont)
• Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd
• Sunset Strip drive in the evening
• Dinner at Dan Tana’s on Santa Monica Blvd

Day 2 – Beachside Exploration
• Morning at Santa Monica Pier
• Lunch at The Butcher’s Daughter (Venice)
• Stroll along Venice Beach
• Evening walk at Venice Canals Walkway

Day 3 – Shopping & City Vibes
• The Grove in the morning
• Lunch at Marmalade Cafe.
• Evening at Glendale Americana with dinner nearby.

Day 4 – Coastal Getaway
• Morning drive to Point Mugu
• Relax at Leo Carrillo State Beach
• Catch sunset views at Malibu Bluff Park
• Dinner at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Day 5 – Urban Views & Fine Dining
• Angeles Crest Scenic Drive in the morning
• Free time or café hopping mid-day
• Dinner at 71 Above with city skyline views
• Optional nightcap at Clifton’s Republic

Day 6 – Amusement Park Day
• Full day at either Universal Studios or Disneyland (depending on your friend’s vibe)
• Keep evening free for rest or a casual dinner nearby

Day 7 – Nature + Marina Wind Down
• Late breakfast or brunch at Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen Restaurant
• Drive through Marina Del Rey
• Farewell dinner at Castaway Burbank

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a deep sense of gratitude to my spiritual master, Bhai Jaspal Singh Ji (USA), whose guidance and presence have been the foundation of my clarity and creative focus from the very beginning. His influence has been a steady light through all the transitions in my journey.

I’m also deeply thankful to my wife, Aween Kaur, who have been an unwavering source of strength and support and my mother-in-law. My wife’s selfless encouragement—especially her decision to let me pursue my filmmaking education in the US—means more than words can express.

On the creative side, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my mentors at NYFA, especially David Newman, who helped shape my approach to directing and screenplay, and Sanora Bartels, whose screenwriting guidance left a lasting imprint on my storytelling voice. Their insights played a key role in shaping my debut short film, ENVY.

Finally, a big thank you to the entire crew who helped bring ENVY to life. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Website: https://www.randeepnagi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randeep.nagi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randeepnagi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randeepnagi22

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13102891/