Set in Shimla, Saas shortlisted for Darbhanga film festival

Shimla, February 11

‘Saas (Mother-in-law) — a Hindi drama short film written, produced and directed by Shimla’s Rajnishwar Chauhan — has been shortlisted for the 11th Darbhanga International Film Festival to be held in Darbhanga, the cultural capital of Bihar, from February 24 to 26.

The story of the film revolves around Yatin, a young man who tries to fulfil the responsibilities that he has to deal with after the death of his loved one. Taking care of his ailing mother-in-law (Saas) becomes a priority for Yatin but along with the responsibilities, hardships which Yatin faces, his mother-in-law’s and his life get entangled.

The film has entirely been shot in Shimla and is co-produced by Wishveash Sharkholi, an actor himself who was seen in Aranyak, a Netflix web series.

Rajnishwar also portrays the character of Yatin while Ranjna Jaret, Prerna Mehta, Neha Sharma, Ishwar Dass, Rajat Thakur and Sejal Kainthla are also featured in important roles.

The other actors in the movie include Reeta, Yuvraj Chauhan, Ram Prasidh, Ansh and Rudransh.

Earlier, the film was also showcased at the 9th International Film Festival, Shimla, where it was also honoured with Festival Mention Award/Jury Award.

Talking to The Tribune, Rajnishwar said his endeavour will be to somehow acquire whatever resources related to filmmaking are available or which are difficult for filmmakers in small towns to get, so that the

stories of Himachal Pradesh and its people can be

heard and seen as much as possible.

“This is the right time to convey our ideas and stories to the people and cinema is the best medium for this,” he added.

“I belong to Shimla and I believe that when the stories from Himachal Pradesh will be told through cinema, the audience will get to know and connect with the state as well as the country. I believe that stronger the literature, theatre and cinema get, the stronger will be society,” he said.

The Darbhanga International Film Festival is

being held since 2013 and features films from all over the country and all around the world.

This year, the festival will feature movies from

more than 80 countries, including US, France, Spain, China, United Kingdom and Australia.