There’s no refuting how we’re all at the cusp of a digital movie watching revolution. Instead of a stroll to the nearest theatre, millennials prefer YouTube aired short films and streaming some must-watches on popular paid platforms. Throwing light and finding magic in the midst of mundane daily activities to touching upon important issues like the deplorable plight of state-run schools, short films are armed with myriad pluses (lesser funds and quicker reach). They also offer the much-needed exposure and reach. We document a volley of young city adults who are making a splash online and off it, with their cult-potential offerings.
A still from Mareechi, Akarsha’s short film.
Akarsha Kamala
Age: 33
Claim to fame: This electrical engineer, obsessed with a flair for short film making (and an ardent love for Rumi) shot in to the limelight with his first offering Present Sir, which talked about the condition of government-run Kannada medium schools. The short film bagged awards and nominations at major film festivals — It won second best film at the Shankarnag Memorial Trust Awards. Official selections include Bengaluru International Short film Festival, Rolling frames online film festival and 9180 Shortfest – Only kannada short film to be selected. Akarsha is known, in the city’s theatre and Sandalwood circuit, for his friendly demeanour and love for performing arts. His recent film Mareechi is also doing very well as the official selection at the South Asian Short Film Festival (competition section.)
A still from the short film Silk Board.
Rakesh Maiya
Age: 29
Claim to fame: Ruffled tresses and quirky dubsmashes and videos seem to be one of the first things that strike you, when you run a close eye through Rakesh’s social media handles. The artiste who moonlights as an actor, performer struck gold with Silk Board, a short film. With a view count on YouTube which is currently 3,96,000 and running, this city lad is on a roll and gearing up for bigger innings. “I’m working on a web series produced by Paramvah Productions and a few other production houses,” states Rakesh, who is also acting as one of the leads in a serial called Avalu which has crossed 250 episodes. Rakesh is mostly known for his acting prowess.
Manasa Sharma's film Lost n Found’s poster.
Manasa Sharma
Age: 26
Claim to fame: Manasa believes her love for film-making pervades all else. Currently working under BS Pradeep Varma, she has her sights set on bigger goals. This city girl started out as a freelance photographer, and made a move into cinematography, and is now a short filmmaker. Both her projects Anvikshiki and Lost n Found available on a YouTube channel called Coffee Bite met with rave reviews. Anvishiki got selected for a couple of film festivals and cross 11k views. Lost n Found has got over 38k views. “I’m currently working on another short film which will be released on Mother’s Day,” shares the Bengaluru hudugi.
A still from Prashanth Raj’s short film Nooru Rupayi.
Prashanth Raj
Age: 39
Claim to fame: Affable and ambitious, Prashanth Raj has been a jack of all trades, and is well on his way into mastering the art of short film making. Nooru Rupayi, one of his short films made it to DC South Asian Film Festival, Washington DC as an official selection and was the only Kannada short film. Nooru Rupayi was screened at other prestigious national and international film festivals like Asians on Film, Los Angeles, 5th Bangalore International Film Festival, 3rd Indian Cine Film Festival, Mumbai, FFWRNES Fil. Festival United Kingdom, All Lights India International Film Festival, Kochi and the like. “I’m planning on plunging into feature film making. But, short film making will always remain a passion I’ll continue to pursue!” he signs off.
