Chaukhat

Chaukhat ...crossing social barriers. This short film is a story of women's empowerment and their internal strength to overcome suppression by their in-laws and society at large across the globe. Sangeeta represents all suppressed women and their internal struggle to break social barriers and lead lives with dignity. She is a farmer's widow who migrated to the city for livelihood, accompanied by her ten-year-old daughter, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Her farmer husband had died by suicide due to bad loans. In the city, her father-in-law secured a security guard job at a construction site, which also provided him a small hut and salary. Everything was going smoothly until her father-in-law fell ill and could no longer work, leading to financial stress and the fear of losing their house.

Sangeeta's mother-in-law desired to return to the village and work as a bonded laborer on a wealthy farmer's farm. However, Sangeeta was resolute about not going back to the village. She believed that her daughter could receive a good education and access better job opportunities in the city. In the village, the prospects for education were limited, and they would continue to struggle for survival. Sangeeta knew that with education, her daughter could have a promising future in the city and break free from the cycle of poverty.

A neighboring woman, Manisha, offered her assistance in finding a job within the houses in their society. She encouraged Sangeeta to consider her daughter's future and tried to convince her mother-in-law to remain in the city. Despite Manisha's motivation, Sangeeta's mother-in-law remained obstinate, warning her of dire consequences if she crossed the threshold and pursued a job. In this context, the doorstep symbolized the social barriers that stood in the way.

Yet, Sangeeta, who had made a promise to her late husband to educate their daughter and empower her to become a successful farmer, dared to overcome these social barriers. She chose to cross the metaphorical doorstep, making the decision to work and provide her daughter with an education for a brighter future.

Chaukhat, illustrates the inspiring journey of women's strength and resilience, showing how Sangeeta's determination transcended societal norms and economic hardships. It highlights her pursuit of empowerment, not just for herself but for her daughter and future generations, and how she shattered the chains of suppression and societal expectations to create a path of her own.

  • Asif Munaf Khan
    Director
  • Asif Munaf Khan
    Writer
  • Shekhar Suresh Jape
    Producer
  • Shubhali Yashwant Joshi
    Key Cast
    "Sangeeta"
    Film: Maharashtra Shahir (महाराष्ट्र शाहीर) Short film:Last Wish Play: एक झुंज वादळाशी ( संभाजी महाराज ), ब्रम्हांडनायक (गोंदवलेकर महाराज )
  • Lalita Namdev Gawari
    Key Cast
    "Ajji"
    Plays: Manava re (मनवा रे), Apule Maran (आपुले मरण) Ekankika: Dinuchya Saasubai Online Ekankika:Prani Panchayat, Weightloss Vedepana, Thaska, Sataranji TV Serial: Thpakyanchi Rangoli
  • Ishwari Sanjay Badade
    Key Cast
    "Manisha"
    Marathi Film: Lek asavi tr Ashi, Sayli Hindi Film: The crew, As a hotel guest & salon custome
  • Suhas Moreshwar Vaidya
    Key Cast
    "Dada"
    Film:आमचे लग्न होईल का?, सत्य शोधक, डबल गेम Short films:सफर, वाढदिवस, मिडिल क्लास Play:सुवर्णपिंपळ, जाणता राजा, रायबा हेच का आपले स्वराज्य ?, सम्राट अशोक
  • Mrunmayee Abhijeet Deshpande
    Key Cast
    "Pari"
    Short Film:Diary of vinayak pandit, Chakrview(चक्रव्यूह) Play: Factory of revolution, Shama-e-Sarha
  • Indrajeet A Kadam
    Key Cast
    "Surya (Farmet)"
  • Rahul S Kulkarni
    Key Cast
    "Adhav "
  • Aastha D Mahajan
    Key Cast
    "Pinky"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 24, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,120 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Asif Munaf Khan

Asif Khan is a dynamic and passionate filmmaker, recognized for his unwavering commitment to storytelling and his remarkable journey in the world of cinema. His fervor for the art of filmmaking led him to pursue professional education in the field, culminating in a post-graduation in Mass Communication from the prestigious Pune University.

Having honed his skills in the heart of the Indian film industry, Asif spent five formative years in Mumbai as an Assistant Director under the guidance of renowned filmmaker Arun Frank. During this period, he contributed his creative insights to TV soaps such as "Andaaz," "Amar Prem," and "Aah Ha," produced for Zee TV and Sony TV, thus immersing himself in the nuances of the craft.

Returning to his roots in Pune, Asif embarked on a remarkable journey by founding his own production company. With an unerring focus on creating corporate, advertising, and training films, he lent his expertise to esteemed brands such as Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Thermax, Emcure Pharma, and Indian Oil Corporation. As he transitioned to the role of Senior Project Manager in leading multinational companies, Asif acquired invaluable insights into project management—a skill that would later synergize with his passion for filmmaking.

Driven by an unquenchable passion, Asif, alongside his associate, embarked on an audacious venture—establishing a sprawling studio spanning 7000 sq.ft in Pune. Aiming to create an all-encompassing hub for filmmakers, the studio encompassed VFX facilities, virtual production, and plans for a comprehensive post-production setup including dubbing, editing, DI, sound recording, and marketing.

However, the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 presented unforeseen challenges, leading to the eventual closure of the studio. Yet, Asif's resilience and adaptability shone through as he embraced the emerging opportunities presented by the burgeoning OTT landscape. Determined to stay ahead of the curve, he ventured into crafting films for the corporate sector, demonstrating his ability to pivot seamlessly in the face of adversity.

During the lockdown, Asif's creative spirit remained undaunted. He penned two ambitious Hindi web series, "Bhavani Peth" and "Sattha," poised to captivate audiences with their immersive narratives. As a testament to his multifaceted capabilities, Asif took on the roles of writer, director, and editor for a powerful short film titled "Chuakhat." This poignant creation addresses critical societal issues of women's empowerment and girl education, underscoring his commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Asif's creative prowess has resulted in the masterpiece "Chaukhat," a short film that resonates with audiences through its exceptional performances and impeccable post-production finesse.

Eager to expand his horizons, Asif is currently immersed in the production of an exciting Hindi web series that promises to be an enthralling cinematic experience.

Asif Khan's journey exemplifies a fusion of creativity, perseverance, and adaptability, and his future promises even greater strides in the realm of entertainment. With an unwavering dedication to his craft, he remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers alike.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Crossing Thresholds (Social Barriers)" is a deeply moving film that delves into the core of women's empowerment and the inherent strength that defies suppression. The story of Sangeeta resonates beyond cultural confines, speaking to the universal struggles of women who dare to challenge societal norms and carve out their own destiny.

In bringing this narrative to life, my vision as director was to portray Sangeeta's journey with authenticity and emotional resonance. My approach is rooted in the belief that her story is not just hers alone; it echoes the silenced voices of countless women across the globe who seek to break free from the chains of oppression.

I envision a visual and emotional journey that captures Sangeeta's courage to migrate, to seek a better life for her daughter, and to transcend the limitations set by her circumstances, reflects the strength and resilience inherent within every woman.

As director, my aim was to create an immersive experience that invites the audience to walk alongside Sangeeta as she confronts the daunting threshold that symbolizes the social barriers she must overcome. The use of light and shadow mirrors her emotional journey—the darkness of societal expectations that she confronts and the illuminating hope that guides her.

The metaphor of the doorstep (Chaukhat) serves as a powerful motif throughout the film, representing not only the physical boundary but the psychological barriers that hold women back. With careful attention to detail, I orchestrated this pivotal scene to be a visual crescendo—an act of defiance against generations of suppression.

The music serves as the heart of the narrative, underscoring the emotional beats of Sangeeta's journey. The score evolve with her transformation, culminating in a crescendo of triumph as she shatters the chains that have confined her.

Through captivating performances, stunning visuals, and a deeply resonant score, "Crossing Thresholds" seeks to inspire change, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the innate strength of women. Sangeeta's journey is a testimony to the power of breaking boundaries, not just for herself but for generations to come. I invite our audience to witness the journey of a woman who defied norms, crossed thresholds, and in doing so, lit the path for others to follow.