Private Project

DESIRE

ABHARKHA (synopsis)

"ABHARKHA" literally translates to desire; a strong feeling of wanting to have something.
The story travels through the journey of two characters Milan and Meera, wherein we find childish affection, the needs of a capitalist village and a woman's stoic resilience and grit.
Milan is a quiet and aloof child who shares a unique bond with his mother and with Girish sir, his blind music teacher at the village school.
Meera is a teacher at the same school. Her story is of struggle and resilience in her personal and professional life as she holds on stoically through her journey in a lonely and isolated marriage.
The story is a tapestry of small moments of smiles, hidden anguish, cries and whispers of Milan's constant struggle and of Meera's hope. It succeeds and fails, but eventually lies in the moments in between.

  • Himadri Parmar
    Director
  • Himadri Parmar
    Writer
  • Jitendra Adappa
    Producer
  • Vivek Sadamate
    Producer
  • Parthraj Parmar
    Producer
  • Priyanka Puranik
    Producer
  • Rinkle Patel
    Key Cast
    "Mira"
  • Milan Bhil
    Key Cast
    "Milan"
  • Girish Mewada
    Key Cast
    "Girish Sir"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ABHARKHA
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 34 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 17, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    85,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Gujarati
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Himadri Parmar

I discovered my passion for filmmaking, while doing my engineering from Nirma Institute, Ahmedabad. As I was in college back then, the only option I had was to explore it on the side.

My passion drew me to FTII, where I spent most of my time assisting in student projects. When I started assisting professionally in direction, I realized that I needed to know the basics of lighting, lenses and composition of frames; hence I assisted a cinematographer too. That I believe was the best decision I have made as a filmmaker.

My journey has been very encouraging so far. In a short span of time, I have had the chance to work on some pivotal projects and assist some great mentors. I have assisted in various capacities, on varied film forms like Ad films, Short films, Documentaries and mostly Feature films.

I have independently directed a short film, an Ad film and a docudrama prior to making ABHARKHA, my first feature.

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Director Statement

I found my ‘Abharkha’ or ‘Desire’ in my core when I went back to my roots amongst my people.

Coming from a non-film background, with no formal schooling in film-making either, I owe my education to the movies I have watched with great fascination. What they taught me was that, the best stories are the ones that are closest to you and your surroundings.

I grew up with Abharkha's characters and folk theme. Thus the film’s light narrative is reflective of my approach to filmmaking. Rooted in fascination and nostalgia, I preferred to let the film’s theme settle and grow organically instead of taking on a deliberate speed and rhythm.

Hence it was a proud moment for me when an organisation like NFDC, selected my film “Abharkha”, for it’s “FILM BAZAAR RECOMMENDS” section at the “FILM BAZAAR”. Similarly the 'MAMI official selection 2020' tag too, was a boost for me and my team. It gives confidence and support to independent filmmakers like me for making films and telling the stories we want to in our own simplistic ways.