Aakhri Ride, a 24-minute horror short film, tells the story of Aman, a desperate migrant cab driver struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai.
The film, released on YouTube, is about Aman's daily horrors, from his abusive boss to his sister's distressed pleas, and the intimidation of cops.
Key Takeaways
- Aakhri Ride is a 24-minute horror short film that explores the daily horrors of migrant workers in Mumbai.
- The film marks a significant shift in the horror genre, focusing on the daily struggles of migrant workers rather than supernatural elements.
- The film's success can be attributed to the growing popularity of short films in India, with many young filmmakers experimenting with new themes and genres.
Who is Aman and what does he represent?
Aman is a migrant cab driver who represents the plight of all migrant workers, with his story based on several true stories heard from cab drivers.
His name reflects his character, someone who tries to avoid conflict and stays subservient because that's his job.
What inspired the film and its unique tone?
The idea of Aakhri Ride was born out of observing cab drivers during long rides from work, with the contrast between their struggles and the luxury of the passengers striking.
The film's writer-directors, Vijesh Rajan and Yashoda Parthasarthy, wanted to bring a twist to the classic Bollywood tropes, with a morally relatable hero and a villain in the form of a ghost.
By the numbers
- 24 minutes: the length of the short film
- 5 years: the time Vijesh and Yashoda spent pitching feature films and shows before making Aakhri Ride
- 20: the number of scariest films of the 21st century listed by The Hindu
How was the film made and what challenges did the directors face?
Vijesh and Yashoda, who worked as VFX artists and title designers, made their directorial debut with Aakhri Ride, with the help of producer Ranjan Singh.
The film's writing process involved finding out what would actually scare Aman, with his horrors lying in the constant follow-up calls from his boss and the intimidation of cops.
What's the significance of Aakhri Ride in the context of Indian cinema?
Aakhri Ride marks a significant shift in the horror genre, focusing on the daily struggles of migrant workers rather than supernatural elements.
The film's success can be attributed to the growing popularity of short films in India, with many young filmmakers experimenting with new themes and genres.
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What's next for Vijesh and Yashoda, and how will they build on the success of Aakhri Ride?
The duo is excited about their new role as filmmakers, with Yashoda saying she feels like she has come out of a closet, and Vijesh recalling the euphoria of the casting process.
Having worked together for a decade, Vijesh and Yashoda share a strong rapport, with Yashoda concluding that more people should try out working together, as filmmaking is all about collaboration.
Implications for readers in India
Aakhri Ride highlights the struggles of migrant workers in India, who face daily horrors such as exploitation, intimidation, and poverty.
The film's success can inspire more filmmakers to explore the lives of migrant workers and the challenges they face, raising awareness and promoting empathy among audiences.
What to watch next
Readers can look forward to more short films and feature films that explore the lives of migrant workers and the challenges they face in India.
Vijesh and Yashoda's future projects will be worth watching, as they continue to experiment with new themes and genres in Indian cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aakhri Ride about?
Aakhri Ride is a 24-minute horror short film that tells the story of Aman, a desperate migrant cab driver struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai.
Who are the directors of Aakhri Ride?
The directors of Aakhri Ride are Vijesh Rajan and Yashoda Parthasarthy.
What is the significance of Aakhri Ride in Indian cinema?
Aakhri Ride marks a significant shift in the horror genre, focusing on the daily struggles of migrant workers rather than supernatural elements.
