Movies
Onir reveals first look of LGBTQ short film Tumhari Khushboo
MUMBAI: National Award-winning filmmaker Onir has unveiled the first look of his upcoming Hindi short film Tumhari Khushboo, offering a gentle yet stirring glimpse into a story told as much through silence as through emotion.
Starring Barun Sobti and Shashi Bhushan, the film marks a rare and meaningful moment in Indian cinema. Bhushan, a visually impaired actor, portrays a queer character, bringing both authenticity and nuance to the narrative. Written by Ravi Asrani and produced by Impulse Mumbai, the film blends intimacy with purpose, rooted in the collective’s long-standing work around sexual wellness, mental health, substance use, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
Set against the familiar hum of Mumbai, Tumhari Khushboo follows Sunil, a visually impaired masseur, and Kamran, a sports teacher who becomes his client. The newly revealed poster hints at a quiet closeness between the two, while suggesting unresolved memories that may complicate their growing bond.
Speaking about the project, Onir shared that the film holds a deeply personal place in his journey. He described it as his first attempt at bringing together queerness and disability on screen, adding that the story speaks about safer sexual wellness, empathy, and the universality of love, desire and vulnerability.
He also praised the cast, noting that Shashi Bhushan’s talent as both an actor and musician naturally shaped the film during workshops, while Barun Sobti brings emotional depth to Kamran, a man navigating affection alongside his own internal biases.
Echoing the sentiment, Impulse India programme manager Bismaya Kumar Raulo, said the film reflects the organisation’s core values of inclusion and affirmation. He described it as a quiet reminder that queer lives exist across many intersections, and that honest storytelling can foster a more compassionate society.
Impulse Mumbai team member Mihir Maher added that the film celebrates every form of love with sincerity, championing acceptance, responsibility and empathy without preaching.
Without giving too much away, the first look sets the tone for a reflective film that explores love, boundaries and self-discovery with understated grace. More details about Tumhari Khushboo are expected to be announced soon.
Movies
Amay Mehrishi’s short film Abracadabra premieres at Berlinale 2026
London Film School project screens in Generations Kplus at Berlin festival.
MUMBAI: Sometimes the biggest stories unfold in the smallest spaces. In this case, on a school bus. Emerging filmmaker Amay Mehrishi made his international debut with the short film Abracadabra, which premiered at the 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival in the Generations Kplus section. The film was developed as Mehrishi’s Master’s graduation project at the London Film School.
Set entirely during a single ride home on a moving school bus, the story centres on twelve year old Agastya, whose day takes an unexpected emotional turn when his best friend Naman chooses to sit somewhere else. What begins as a seemingly small moment slowly unfolds into a delicate exploration of childhood friendship, identity and guilt.
A simple magic trick threads through the narrative, giving the film its title while quietly tying together the emotional shifts that unfold during the journey. The storytelling leans on observation and restraint, capturing the fragile inner world of growing up without grand gestures.
Filming the project came with its own creative constraints. The entire production took place inside a bus in motion and featured 32 young non actors aged between seven and thirteen, bringing a naturalistic feel to the film’s classroom like ensemble.
The world premiere at Berlinale received warm applause from a multi generational audience. Several viewers shared that the film evoked memories of their own childhood journeys and friendships.
Mehrishi described the festival premiere as a major milestone in his early filmmaking career.
“With its world premiere at Berlinale, our film received an immense platform and a global audience to begin its journey. It is a dream as a filmmaker to be considered for such a prestigious festival, and hopefully it will open doors for the entire team,” he said.
Following the debut, Mehrishi has begun developing a satirical drama and has also started research on his first feature film, with plans to work across both independent and commercial cinema in the coming years.
