Kiran Deol, known for her podcasting skills, has transitioned into a leading role on the big screen. She stars in the zombie comedy Didn’t Die, which is having its world premiere tonight at Sundance in the Midnight Section at the Library Center Theater. It’s an exciting step for Deol, who plays a post-apocalyptic podcaster in the film.
A New Role for Kiran Deol
In Didn’t Die, Deol plays Vinta, a snarky and cynical host of a podcast in a world ravaged by zombies. Vinta hides her fear and anxiety behind a tough exterior, using humor and sarcasm as a shield. With “biters” (zombies) roaming the Earth, Vinta’s small and dwindling audience — including her traumatized siblings — are stuck in quarantine. Things take a dramatic turn when her ex, Vincent (played by George Basil), shows up out of nowhere, holding a baby. Vinta’s guarded emotional state starts to unravel as she faces the complexities of her past and present. The film is a modern nod to the zombie classics of George Romero, mixing humor with dark themes of survival.
From Podcasting to Acting
Before her big-screen debut, Kiran Deol was known for hosting the all-female podcast Hysteria. She has also made her mark as an Emmy-nominated journalist. In 2011, she earned a News and Documentary Emmy nomination for her work on Woman Rebel. However, Didn’t Die marks her first major leading role in a film.
Deol has worked with Didn’t Die director Meera Menon before. The two collaborated on Farah Goes Bang, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2013. Deol recalls how Menon wanted to build a character for her that was not just funny but also multi-dimensional. “She wanted to design a movie around someone with comedic talent and create a story with vibrant colors and a focus on a South Asian family,” Deol explains. Together, they developed Vinta’s character from an initial outline, giving her depth and complexity.
Addressing Grief and Collective Struggle
Didn’t Die offers more than just zombie thrills. The film explores the theme of collective grief, which feels especially relevant today. Deol points out how our society is grappling with grief in many forms — from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to natural disasters like the fires in Los Angeles. “We’re dealing with a lot of grief as a nation,” she reflects. The movie touches on the question of how we cope with grief, move forward, and find healing. Deol hopes the film resonates with people who are navigating these challenges.
Breaking Barriers for Diverse Comedians
As a comedian, Deol is also passionate about the opportunities (or lack thereof) for diverse talent in the entertainment industry. She believes that many talented people are creating their own platforms online and building personal brands, often before receiving traditional opportunities. “It’s a fear-based industry,” she says, acknowledging the pressure that many in the entertainment world feel to keep their jobs. But Deol also sees the importance of taking risks to break new ground, like how shows such as Broad City and Insecure changed the industry by giving diverse voices a chance to shine.
She hopes that executives and decision-makers will have the courage to take chances on new, diverse talent without the fear of failure. “If you swing hard, that’s how you can hit the fences,” Deol says.
What’s Next for Kiran Deol?
Looking ahead, Deol is preparing for the release of her comedy special Joysuck, which she recorded at the Dynasty Typewriter comedy club in Los Angeles. It’s clear that Deol’s career is just getting started, and her journey from podcasting to acting is only the beginning.
Didn’t Die is being sold by Cinetic Media, and Deol’s performance is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
