Experiencing Interruptions?

AZAAN

In the early hours of February 27, 2002, a newly displaced Muslim family enjoys a rare moment of peace during a picnic by the beach in Surat, Gujarat. Unaware of the tragedy unfolding in Godhra—where a train is set ablaze, an act that will ignite deadly riots across the state the following day—this fleeting moment of calm will forever alter their lives.
Years later, the surviving son returns to the same shore, burdened by the weight of the past.
In the place where his innocence once resided, he confronts his grief, seeking closure and the ability to finally let go.

  • Ashit Sharma
    Director
  • Ashit Sharma
    Writer
  • Manish Goel
    Producer
  • Dhruv Verma
    Producer
  • Sahil Manral
    Producer
  • Poonam Narula Goel
    Key Cast
    "Mother"
  • Manish Goel
    Key Cast
    "Father"
  • Parin Sharma
    Key Cast
    "Younger Azaan"
  • Tanish Sharma
    Key Cast
    "Older Azaan"
  • Vinita Shetty
    Costume Styling and Art Director
  • Pranjal Datta
    Cinematography
  • Ziaul Haque
    Cinematography
  • Ashit Sharma
    Editing
  • Ashit Sharma
    Sound Designing
  • Sasta Acid
    Poster
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 6, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ashit Sharma

Ashit Sharma’s filmmaking journey began with a passion for storytelling at 13-14. Drawn to writing, he pursued English Honours from DU SOL while interning at Magna Publications and collaborating with Delhi’s freelance filmmakers. His first amateur short film was a revelation—it taught him the power of editing at a time when learning resources were scarce. This led him to Whistling Woods International, where he specialised in editing.
He started as an editor on digital ads and short films, later assisting on Mission Over Mars (ZEE5/ALT Balaji). His transition to direction was shaped by working under acclaimed filmmakers, including Dhamaka (Ram Madhvani Films), where he served as a post-production VFX AD. Most recently, he worked on Amazon Prime’s Ma Ka Sum as both 3rd AD and DA to director Nicholas Kharkongor, refining his on-set execution skills.
Inspired by Imtiaz Ali, Richard Linklater, and Hirokazu Koreeda, Azaan marks the true beginning of Ashit’s dream—bringing his vision as a storyteller to life.

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Director Statement

Growing up, I was never taught to see people through the lens of their religion or community. But as I became more aware of the changes sweeping through my country, I couldn’t ignore how divisions—political, religious, and cultural—were creeping into conversations I once believed were safe. I began to feel the weight of the “us vs them” mentality in ways I hadn’t before.

In 2016, while studying filmmaking at Whistling Woods International, I conceived a story about a moment of innocence—an ordinary family, a peaceful moment of togetherness, and a subtle clash of symbols that reflect a larger societal tension. The film I envisioned at that time was simple, but it spoke to the belief that faith and patriotism need not be in conflict.

When I returned to this idea in 2023, the story evolved. It grew into something more complex, more deeply connected to the painful reality of our country’s past and present. But at its heart, the film remains a quiet reflection on memory, loss, and identity. It’s about understanding how history shapes us, but also how, even in the face of that history, we can find hope, resilience, and a sense of shared humanity.

Azaan explores how moments of connection and division exist side by side, often without us realizing it. It’s a film about the tension between past and present, between memory and the future, and the ways in which we navigate our sense of self within the larger fabric of a fractured nation.

Through this film, I hope to create space for empathy, reflection, and conversation. It’s not a film about religion or politics—rather, it’s about the human experience and the universal longing for belonging, peace, and understanding.