Mumbai, Jan 20 (NationPress) Renowned filmmakers Shoojit Sircar and Vikramaditya Motwane have collaborated to unveil the much-acclaimed short film “Thursday Special,” directed by Indian National Award winner Varun Tandon.

Sircar, known for his works such as “Piku,” “Vicky Donor,” and “October,”, expressed his admiration for the film's subtle narrative style, stating, “Thursday Special deeply resonated with me due to its simplicity and gentle storytelling,” drawing parallels with his unreleased project “Shoe Bite,” featuring the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, according to reports from variety.com.

He further remarked, “Varun’s nuanced depiction of companionship, aging, and love is both heartfelt and mature. It presents a delicate perspective on marriage and midlife relationships, which is particularly commendable for a young director. It reminded me, in some ways, of my unreleased film Shoe Bite.”

Sircar praised the clarity and sincerity of the storytelling, noting that every aspect of the film contributes to the narrative. He acknowledged Varun’s dedication, having created over 15 short films, and emphasized the importance of supporting both the filmmaker and the film.

This intimate drama explores themes of love, companionship, and the passage of time, recently earning the Most Poetic Film Award at Serbia’s Küstendorf Film Festival 2025, a selection personally made by acclaimed director Emir Kusturica.

“Thursday Special” features Anubha Fatehpuria and Ramakanth Dayama portraying Ram and Shakuntala, an elderly couple whose bond is strengthened by their shared love for food and a weekly Thursday ritual.

Motwane highlighted the film’s emphasis on often-overlooked narratives, stating, “Watching ‘Thursday Special’ made me realize that while all our stories are inherently human, we frequently overlook the unique tales hidden in the ordinary lives of people who may not seem to have extraordinary stories.”

“I genuinely enjoyed the film. It’s one that viewers should experience; it sparks discussions beyond just its aesthetic value. While beautifully directed and performed, its true merit lies in its authentic story and emotions,” Motwane added.

For Tandon, whose short film “Syaahi” received a Special Jury Award at the Indian National Film Awards, this project embodies a long-held creative aspiration.

“This story has been close to my heart for years. I was filled with excitement and curiosity to bring these characters to life and portray their journeys,” stated Tandon, who also directed the short documentary “Dribbling Dreams.”

“Thursday Special is a touching representation of a couple whose lives are intertwined with their passion for food. Through their weekly tradition, we explore their world and the complex layers of their relationship,” Tandon elaborated.

Since its debut at Mecal Pro in Barcelona, the short film has accumulated over 25 awards at international festivals, including the Best Narrative Short at the New York Indian Film Festival, Best International Short Film at the Adelaide Independent Film Festival, and Best Narrative Short at the Tryon International Film Festival.