The short film “Arji”, with the theme "Know me for my abilities, not my disabilities," will be released on YouTube on October 13, 2024. Filmed in Udaipur, it features “Crime Patrol” fame Gulshan Pandey alongside local artists.

The story centers around the dreams of a differently-abled female dancer. Producer and director Abhishek Joshi explained that the film highlights the challenges faced by differently-abled individuals as they pursue their dreams.

Yash Pandiyar, the film's DOP, shared that Udaipur has become a preferred location for Bollywood films. He expressed pride in the film winning 13 awards at an international film festival. The film aims to boost the morale of differently-abled individuals and encourage them to fight through difficult situations.

The screenplay was written by Himanshu Bhatt from Banswara, under the banner of Dagg Production. Music for the film is composed by Shahnawaz Khan, while the subtitles are by Naveen Pandya. The 14-minute film was shot in just two days by five artists, including senior theater artist Ramesh Nagda from Vidya Bhavan Polytechnic College. 

Writer Himanshu Bhatt noted that the film is based on true events. It showcases various women who have achieved great success despite facing challenges. The film aims to change societal perspectives about female dancers, who are often referred to in derogatory terms.

Director Joshi mentioned that he has made several award-winning short films in the past. His film “Cycle” earned him the International Excellence Award. However, “Arji” is the quickest film he has produced, involving five main artists and a post-production team of 12, all from Udaipur. 

Movie Received Many Awards

Assistant director Ravi Nagda announced that “Arji” has received numerous accolades. It won Best Indian Short Film on Women, Best Indian Short Film, and a Special Jury Award at the Mokko International Film Festival in Puducherry. At the Tamizhagam International Festival in Chennai, it secured awards for Best Women's Short Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Music Director.

In addition, “Arji” won the Best Indian Short Film 2024 award at the Rohip International Film Festival in Tamil Nadu. At the Athvikvaruni Film Festival, it earned two awards for Special Jury and Best Indian Short Film. All these awards were received within the last month. Recently, the film won four awards at the Sittannavasal International Film Festival in Karaiyur, including Best Indian Short Film, Best Cinematography, Best Writer, and Best Sound Design.

Source: Media Reports