The Future of Short Films in India: A Gateway for Indie Filmmakers and Freshers
- Sahil Rahi
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
There was a time when filmmaking in India meant dreaming big, big budgets, big stars, and big screens. But in recent years, something quietly powerful has been unfolding in a different corner of the cinematic world. A shift that’s less about scale and more about storytelling. Welcome to the age of short films, where young voices, especially freshers and independent filmmakers, are finding their footing and their freedom.
A New Path Into Cinema
Ask anyone who has ever walked out of theatre rehearsals with ink on their fingers and scripts in their backpacks, storytelling isn’t about length. It’s about connection. For those coming from theatre, literature, or film schools, the idea of jumping straight into feature films can feel overwhelming. You need money, producers, contacts and luck.
But short films level the playing field. You don’t need a famous last name or a fancy set. What you need is an idea sharp, honest, and emotionally resonant. That’s why more and more young filmmakers today are choosing short films not as a compromise, but as a conscious beginning.
The Digital Stage: Today’s Theatre for New Filmmakers
In the past, the theatre used to be the main stage for new writers and actors to test their mettle. Today, that space has expanded. YouTube, Instagram, Netflix, and Hotstar are the new “black box theatres” except your audience isn’t fifty people in folding chairs, it’s the world. This is great news for first-timers. Your short film, if made with honesty and craft, can reach thousands or even millions. And it’s not just the views that matter. Short films are opening doors to the larger cinema industry, connecting fresh talent to OTT platforms, studios, and even feature film deals.
Stories That Changed the Game
Let’s look at a few short films that didn’t just entertain, they shifted the conversation.
Chutney (2016)
This film is a masterclass in restraint and surprise. Set in a seemingly simple domestic world, Chutney unpacks layers of bitterness, class anxiety, and passive power dynamics. It doesn’t scream for your attention, it whispers, and that’s what makes it unforgettable. For any aspiring director or screenwriter, this is proof that even a living room can be a stage, if your script has teeth.
Anukul (2017)
Directed by Sujoy Ghosh and based on a short story by Satyajit Ray, Anukul is thoughtful science fiction that never forgets its humanity. It examines class, technology, and morality in less than 20 minutes and still leaves you with questions.
It reminds us that cinema is not about runtime, it’s about impact. And that even well known directors are drawn to the creative challenge of the short format.
Juice (2017)
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Juice is a quiet storm. It exposes everyday gender roles in middle class Indian homes, and it does so without preaching. You don’t need dramatic speeches, just a camera that knows where to look.
For filmmakers coming from theatre or observational writing, this film is a reminder that real drama lives in small moments, overheard conversations, shared glances, and long silences.
Why This Format Matters (Especially Now)
In a post-pandemic world, where attention spans are shorter and audiences are more curious, short films have found their moment. They fit into busy lives, yes, but more importantly, they allow for bold, risk taking cinema. For young filmmakers, short films are the new auditions. They’re proof of what you can do when the budget is small but the vision is sharp.
They’re your voice, your signature and increasingly, your passport into larger projects. And for those who come from theatre, short films are a natural extension. The focus on character, rhythm, subtext it all translates beautifully to the screen, if handled with care.
The Film Industry is Watching
This isn’t just a phase. Film festivals in India and abroad are taking short films seriously. Some of the most exciting voices today, directors, editors, even actors, started with something small on YouTube or a festival circuit. OTT platforms are now commissioning anthologies, looking at student films, and tracking indie shorts as scouting grounds for talent. The industry no longer asks, “What film school did you go to?” It asks, “What have you made?”
Tell Your Story Anyway
You don’t have to wait to be discovered. If you’ve got a camera, a story, and a few friends who believe in the vision, you already have enough. Write it, shoot it, and put it out there. Short films won’t make you rich overnight, but they will do something even better. They’ll give you a start. And sometimes, one honest beginning is all it takes to find your place in cinema.
So, whether you're fresh out of film school, coming from theatre, or just figuring it out with a phone and passion, don’t wait for a perfect moment.
Start small. Think deeply. Film honestly.
Disclaimer: 'Spotlight' by AT Productions brings forward industry trends, insights, and emerging information from various sources. While we aim for accuracy and relevance, content may evolve over time. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of AT Productions. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
