The Documentary That Charts The Rise Of India's Top Tattoo Artist From Mumbai's Cramped Gullies

Buzz is a feature documentary that charts the rise of India’s top tattoo artist from his humble beginnings in the cramped gullies of Mumbai to his massive glass studio, and how his severe poverty and childhood grief pushed him to be the best – but even that wasn’t enough to exorcise his pain. Directed by Maahir Khan, the documentary is set against the backdrop of the modern rapid cultural shift in India in the era of globalization. Buzz is made in collaboration with producer Anil Kapoor and is streaming on JioHotstar.

Maahir deviated from his promising path as a human rights lawyer to become an AFI graduate and award-winning screenwriter and director, with accolades like writing on the BAFTA-winning crime anthology, Accused (Fox, Hulu). Through a deeply personal lens, Maahir chronicles Eric’s life, showcasing the intersection of art, identity, and resilience. The documentary sheds light on how tattoos have evolved from being taboo to a form of self-expression in contemporary India. Excerpts from our interview with him:

Q. When and how did you decide on the idea for Buzz?

A. I’ve been trying to convince Eric to tell his story for years. I’m just lucky he finally agreed!

Q. Could you shed light on the severe poverty and childhood grief of the protagonist?

A. It would be wrong of me to make any statement of sorts on something I have been nothing more than an observer of. Here’s the thing — the poverty he suffered doesn’t define his narrative, nor should it. It was a reality — simply that, and nothing more. The real story of Buzz is how he dealt with the cards he was given, so I would rather not spend much time indulging a false romanticization of his difficult circumstances growing up.

Q. Even that wasn’t enough to exorcise his pain – could you elaborate?

A. Eric’s grief is existential — his relationship with his masculinity and relationship with his place in an oftentimes abusive world is his fundamental struggle. The exorcism of his pain came through his art, and we attempt to chart that over the course of the film.

Q. In what way is the documentary a cultural conversation on art and transformation?

A. Really, it is about the power of willingness. Eric’s willingness to not stay stagnant — neither personally nor artistically — is the key conversation here.

Q. How did the shift from human rights lawyer to the film line happen?

A. I’m more effective behind proxies and metaphors than I am litigating things directly. And I too, like Eric, healed my wounds through art. So, it was a natural transition.