How a 3-Minute Short Film Kickstarted AT Productions! The Story of "Dohraav”

Aman Tiwaryy shares the story of how Dohraav, a small 3-minute short film, became the start of AT Productions. It was made without a big plan, just with a strong feeling and a few friends who believed in the idea. This article looks back at that simple moment that slowly turned into something much bigger.

The Short Film By Which "AT Productions" Debuted

I Still Remember That Restless Evening

I still remember how restless I was that evening. I didn’t have a script or a detailed plan. I just knew I needed to shoot something. There was this feeling in my head, something about being stuck in a loop, repeating the same moments again and again. It was not a fully shaped idea, but it felt honest. That was enough to get started. That feeling turned into Dohraav, a 3-minute short film that, without us even realizing it, marked the beginning of AT Productions.

The Idea Behind Dohraav

Dohraav was about repetition. It told the story of a person trapped in a cycle, reliving the same experiences over and over. It was simple, quiet, and symbolic. There were no special effects or dramatic twists. Just a loop, and the emotions that come with feeling stuck in life. The concept came from my own headspace. It was never meant to be our big break. It was just something I felt we had to create.

A Still From "Dohraav"

Sanchit Rastogi: The Friend Who Saw the Vision

Sanchit Rastogi is someone who has always been passionate about photography. He is not a full-time cinematographer, but he understands framing, mood, and how to capture a moment. When I spoke to him about Dohraav, he understood the feeling immediately. We didn’t have advanced gear, but Sanchit brought his phone and an open mind. He became the DOP for the film, helping give shape to the visuals that lived only in my head.

Sahil Rahi: A Junior Who Showed Up

Sahil was a junior in college who once told me that he would love to help if I ever made a film. I remembered that. When Dohraav was about to happen, I reached out to him. He said yes without asking for details. He helped as an assistant director, managing shots and making sure everything kept moving. It was his first time on a set, just like mine, and we learned together through every scene.

Agam Tiwari: The Quiet Contributor

My younger brother, Agam, also joined us on set. He came mainly to watch and understand how films are made. He had always been curious about the process. During the shoot, he offered small inputs and helped here and there with direction. Even though his involvement was limited, his presence meant a lot. I could see how closely he was observing everything, and I knew this experience would stay with him too.

No Plan, Just the Need to Create

There was no formal setup. No storyboard, no lighting team, no backup plan. We figured things out on location, made changes on the spot, and trusted our instincts. We shot based on feeling, not rules. When we finished the shoot and edited it all together, it felt raw and powerful. It was not polished, but it had soul. And that mattered more than anything else.

How We Made Dohraav

Dohraav was not just made by us, it featured us too. Both Sanchit and I appeared in the film. Acting wasn’t something we had planned, but it felt right for the story we wanted to tell.. While we were in front of the camera, Sahil handled the recording and helped us keep things moving smoothly. From checking the angles to managing audio and setup, he supported every step. My younger brother, Agam, gave thoughtful inputs on direction and scene flow, helping shape the final look in small but meaningful ways.

What Happened After Dohraav

After Dohraav, we kept going. We made more short films. Some were just two minutes long. Some ran close to twenty. With each film, we gained a little more confidence. We made new mistakes, tried different things, and learned with every project. But no matter how far we go, Dohraav will always remain the first step.

What Dohraav Means to Us

Dohraav was not just a short film. It was a reminder that creation does not need permission. It does not need a big budget or perfect timing. It just needs an idea and people willing to believe in it. That small shoot, with a few friends and a big feeling, became the beginning of AT Productions. Back then, we were not thinking of building a brand. We just wanted to tell a story. Now, when I look back at Dohraav, I see where it all started. And that beginning will always matter.

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