Movies
Sanjay Mishra shines in Manish Saini directorial ‘Giddh’
Mumbai: Giddh (The Scavenger) a short film, produced by Ellanar films and co-produced by Amdavad Films, has taken the centre stage at acclaimed film festivals, globally. The film is helmed by the National award-winning director, Manish Saini who is known for masterpieces like Dhh, and Gandhi and Co. Following an impressive curtain call from global critics, and audiences alike, Giddh has emerged as the proud winner of the highly esteemed Asia International Competition at the renowned Short Shorts Film Festival Asia 2023. Furthermore, the immensely talented Sanjay Mishra has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best Actor’ award at the coveted film festival, acknowledging his exceptional performance in Giddh. The prestigious ‘Best Short Film’ win makes Ellanar Films’ Giddh officially qualified to compete at the Oscars. The monumental win positions Giddh as a strong contender for the esteemed Academy Awards, in the short film category.
Giddh has been noted internationally for evoking great emotion with its rawness, and uncompromising rendering of harsh realities. It also struck a chord with the jury of the highly acclaimed USA Film Festival 2023, which recognised Giddh as a finalist. The distinguished film festival has a stellar track record of propelling filmmakers to success at the Oscars, with numerous winners and finalists going on to achieve the coveted Academy recognition. In addition to this, Giddh has also garnered official selections at some of the world’s most esteemed short film festivals including the LA Shorts International Film Festival 2023 and the Carmarthen Bay International Film Festival 2023.
The social commentary is a testimonial to Mishra’s versatility. It’s a story that the world needs. It is bound to keep you thinking with its poignant narrative that holds a mirror to events that undeniably exist but we tend to look away from. Mishra embodies his character in a way that will immerse you in a whirlwind of emotions.
Sharing her thoughts on the win, Ellanar Films founder, producer Radhika Lavu stated, “Giddh is a story that truly has something unique to share with the world, as it explores the complexities of humanity and allows the viewer to explore the depths of their conscience. This monumental international recognition reinforces Ellanar Film’s commitment towards bringing audiences thoughtful and reflective content that stays with them for a long, long time. We are truly humbled and more inspired than ever to back the greatest talents of today. It is indeed a triumphant moment to have audiences worldwide join us on this film’s explorative journey.”
Thrilled about the overwhelming response, Giddh editor, director, writer Mansih Saini shared, “This win is not ours alone; it belongs to every individual touched by the film’s message, sparking their own reflections on morality within its frames. We express heartfelt gratitude to film lovers across the globe for passionately embracing Giddh as fervently as we did. The reception at some of the world’s most reputed film festivals has filled us with elation. This is more than a qualification for the Academy Awards; it is also an exaltation of the extraordinary power of storytelling!”
Opening up about his experience, Mishra said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming global reception that our film, Giddh, has received. It has been an unforgettable journey, and the experience of collaborating with such an incredible crew will forever stay with me. We faced challenges head-on, pouring our hearts into every scene, and witnessing the magic that unfolded before our very eyes. As I look back on the countless hours of hard work and unwavering dedication invested in this project, I am profoundly moved by the reception and recognition that our labor of love has garnered.”
Ellanar Films, known for its expertise in producing exceptional content, has made an impressive foray into Hindi cinema with Giddh. The production team continues to turn heads, touch hearts, and bring a change with its unique stories.
Movies
Green Gold Animation creates CG character for Telugu film Rākāsā
Chhota Bheem studio expands into mainstream VFX with dialogue-free digital lead.
MUMBAI: Green Gold Animation, the house that gave India Chhota Bheem, is now stepping out of the kids’ zone and into the big screen with a rather silent but powerful performer. The Hyderabad-based studio’s VFX division has delivered a fully computer-generated character for the upcoming Telugu-language comedy-fantasy thriller Rākāsā, set for theatrical release on 3 April 2026. Directed by Manasa Sharma and produced by Niharika Konidela under Pink Elephant Pictures in collaboration with Zee Studios, the film marks a notable move for Green Gold into complex, character-driven work for mainstream cinema.
What makes the project stand out is its ambitious central character, a completely digital creation that does not speak a single line. Instead, the character relies entirely on animation, movement, facial expressions and body language to convey emotion and connect with audiences. This is a relatively unexplored approach in Telugu cinema at this scale.
Green Gold’s VFX team was involved from early pre-production through to final delivery, completing over 750 CG shots with a team of more than 100 artists. The work included detailed character animation, performance design and fluid simulations, all executed within tight timelines and practical budgets through strong planning and close collaboration.
Green Gold Animation founder & CEO Rajiv Chilaka said the project pushed the team to approach character creation differently. “Building a fully digital character where every emotion had to come through performance and detailing was very meaningful,” he noted.
Green Gold VFX supervisor and VFX creative director Murali Manohar Reddy added that the emotional depth had to be communicated entirely through visual performance. “This wasn’t about reinventing technology, but about using our tools and processes with precision to serve the story,” he said.
Producer Niharika Konidela praised the collaboration, saying the Green Gold VFX team understood the vision and brought strong detail and emotion to the character while working within practical constraints.
The film blends humour, action and mythological elements, following an NRI protagonist on a chaotic and magical adventure. It stars Sangeet Shobhan, Nayan Sarika, Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji and Ashish Vidyarthi, with music by Anudeep Dev.
For a studio best known for colourful kids’ animation, delivering a silent, emotionally expressive CG lead for a mainstream theatrical release is quite the plot twist. With Rākāsā, Green Gold Animation is quietly proving it can speak volumes even without dialogue.
