Bandra Boy: Dharmendra Gohil on storytelling in 21 minutes
Synopsis
A 21-minute short film about media bias and snap judgements has won at the New York International Women Festival and earned a semifinalist spot at Frames of New York Film Festival — with veteran actor Dharmendra Gohil calling the script one of the most well-crafted he has encountered in short-form cinema.
Key Takeaways
Dharmendra Gohil plays Ahwaan Kumar 's father in the short film 'Bandra Boy' , directed by Neeru Sharma .
The film runs 21 minutes and explores themes of media narratives and public perception . 'Bandra Boy' won at the New York International Women Festival and was a semifinalist at the Frames of New York Film Festival .
The film is backed by producer Rajeev Parashar and features a cast of nine named actors.
Technical crew includes cinematographer Aayush Shah , editor Sandeep Kurup , and composer Kaushal Mahavir .
Gujarati and Marathi actor Dharmendra Gohil is set to portray Ahwaan Kumar's father in the award-winning short film 'Bandra Boy', directed by former entertainment journalist Neeru Sharma. The 21-minute film has already earned international recognition, including a semifinalist slot at the Frames of New York Film Festival and a win at the New York International Women Festival.
Gohil on the Challenge of Short-Form Storytelling
Speaking about his experience on the project, Dharmendra Gohil emphasised the craft demanded by the short-film format. 'I have worked with many new directors throughout my career and consider myself fortunate to have done so. My character in Bandra Boy is extremely interesting and well-written. Telling a compelling and complete story in just 21 minutes is not easy, but Neeru Sharma has accomplished it beautifully. She has brought out the best performances from every actor and has presented the story with remarkable clarity,' he said.
Gohil, known for his work in both Gujarati and Marathi cinema, noted that the script's depth and the director's clarity of vision were key draws for him.
Lead Actor Ahwaan Kumar on Playing Against Type
Lead actor Ahwaan Kumar revealed that the stark contrast between his real-life personality and his character in 'Bandra Boy' was the primary reason he signed on. 'Neeru ji explained every scene and emotion in great detail. I trusted her vision and performed accordingly. I am grateful to her for giving me this opportunity,' he said.
Kumar confirmed that the film has been receiving strong reviews alongside its international festival run.
What 'Bandra Boy' Is About
Made by Neeru Sharma — a former entertainment journalist turned filmmaker — 'Bandra Boy' explores how people form opinions before knowing all the facts, interrogating themes of media narratives and public perception. The film is backed by producer Rajeev Parashar.
The ensemble cast includes Ahwaan Kumar, Dharmendra Gohil, Lochan Barsagde, Yash Pednekar, Shyam Thombre, Pawan Tiwari, Aishwarya Manohar, Himanshi Mandalia, and Nandini Sharma, among others.
The Technical Team
Behind the camera, Aayush Shah serves as cinematographer, Sandeep Kurup as editor, and Kaushal Mahavir as music composer. The tight technical execution has been credited as one of the reasons the film punches above its runtime at festival circuits.
Festival Recognition and What's Next
The film's dual recognition — a New York International Women Festival award and a semifinalist position at Frames of New York Film Festival — signals growing international appetite for Indian short-form cinema that tackles social commentary. With the buzz building, wider release details for 'Bandra Boy' are awaited.
Point of View
A former journalist, chose media narratives as her subject is not incidental; it reflects a growing strand of Indian independent cinema that turns the camera on the very machinery that shapes public opinion. The international festival traction suggests the theme travels. What is worth watching is whether this kind of socially pointed short-form work finds a sustainable distribution path in India, or remains confined to the festival circuit.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Bandra Boy' about?
'Bandra Boy' is a 21-minute short film directed by Neeru Sharma that explores how people form opinions before knowing all the facts, focusing on media narratives and public perception. It stars Ahwaan Kumar and Dharmendra Gohil in lead roles.
Which film festivals has 'Bandra Boy' been recognised at?
The film was a semifinalist at the Frames of New York Film Festival and an award winner at the New York International Women Festival, marking notable international recognition for an Indian short film.
Who directed 'Bandra Boy' and what is her background?
'Bandra Boy' was directed by Neeru Sharma, a former entertainment journalist. Sharma is credited by cast members for her detailed scene-by-scene direction and clarity of storytelling vision.
Who are the key cast members of 'Bandra Boy'?
The film stars Ahwaan Kumar and Dharmendra Gohil in prominent roles, alongside Lochan Barsagde, Yash Pednekar, Shyam Thombre, Pawan Tiwari, Aishwarya Manohar, Himanshi Mandalia, and Nandini Sharma.
Why did Dharmendra Gohil praise the film's script?
Gohil said that condensing a compelling and complete story into just 21 minutes is a significant challenge, and credited director Neeru Sharma with achieving it with remarkable clarity while drawing strong performances from the entire cast.
