Dear Panther

India today stands at a crossroads of immense progress and glaring inequality. While the nation celebrates advancement such as launching Chandrayan 3,
it simultaneously neglects a critical segment of its educated population. A PhD student wrestles with the local Municipal Corporation for his rightful house, symbolizing a broader fight against governmental injustice. As societal rifts deepen between the haves and have-notes, Panther emerges as a voice for his oppressed class. Can he lead them out of systemic deprivation class. Can he lead them out of systemic deprivation, or will he too succumb to the quagmire?

  • Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable
    Director
  • Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable
    Writer
  • Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable
    Producer
  • Nitin Sarjerao Shinde
    Producer
  • Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable
    Key Cast
    "Panther"
  • Shonalee Laxman Dhakane
    Key Cast
    "CA Student"
  • Deepali Badekar
    Key Cast
    "Female Mukadam"
  • Ashlesha Gade
    Key Cast
    "Panther’s Wife"
  • Nitin Sarjerao Shinde
    Key Cast
    "Officer"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 3, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    500,000 INR
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Marathi
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • IIFFA - Indian International Film Festival
    West Bengal
    India
    September 8, 2025
    Eastern Region
    Best Actor
  • IIFFA- Indian International Film Festival
    West Bengal
    India
    September 8, 2025
    Eastern Region
    Best Script and Dialogue
  • IIFFA- Indian International Film Festival
    West Bengal
    India
    September 8, 2025
    Eastern Region
    Best Short Film
  • Benguluru International Short Film Festival
    Bangalore
    India
    August 15, 2025
    Southern Region
    Finalist
  • PK Rosy Short Film Festival
    Chennai
    India
    April 6, 2025
    Southern Region
    Special Screening
  • Urgyen Art Festival
    Pune
    India
    September 22, 2025
    Western Region
    Special Screening
  • Ajanta -Ellora International Film Festival 2025
    Aurangabad
    India
    January 6, 2025
    World Premiere
    Special Screening
  • Jaipur International Film Festival 2026
    Jaipur
    India
    February 13, 2026
    International
    Official Selection
  • Nepal International Film Festival 2026
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Nepal
    April 3, 2026
    International
    Official Selection
  • London Lift-off International Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    December 4, 2025
    International
    Official Selection
  • Berlin Lift-off International Film Festival 2026
    Berlin
    Germany
    February 6, 2026
    International
    Official Selection
  • Goa International Short Film Festival 2025
    Goa
    India
    November 24, 2025
    International
    Best Screenplay
  • Kobani International Film Festival 2025
    Egypt
    Egypt
    July 18, 2025
    International
    Official Selection
  • Egyptian American International Film Festival 2025
    New York
    United States
    July 21, 2025
    International
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable

EDUCATION
•Post Graduate in Mass Communication and Film Production from St. Xavier’s Institute of Communication, CST, Mumbai.
•Post Graduate in Film and Television from Digital Academy Film School, Andheri, Mumbai .
•Masters in Theatre Arts from Academy of Theatre Arts, Mumbai University.

Awards and Achievements

•Awarded as a Best Writer and Director in 2014 by Cultural Department, Maharashtra Govt. INDIA

•Awarded by AIAA, Shimla, and Himachal Pradesh for Hindi Drama ‘Nangeli’.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a Director, I feel so enthusiastic and so proud that I'm working on these kind of subjects which raises voices against injustice.
I found Directing this Short Film is a Creative benefits for me. I can fulfill my wish to Direct a unique subject and I can participate to raise voice against injustice of marginalized society.