Food Donation, the greatest Donation
Ann Dan, MahaDan (Food Donation, the greatest Donation) is a psychological thriller that explores the intersection of mental illness, societal pressure, and the dark corners of human nature. The film delves into the mind of Chandan, a man caught between his love for his mother and his growing inner turmoil, ultimately leading him down a path of horrific actions.
-
Jitesh AryaDirector
-
Jitesh AryaWriter
-
Jitesh AryaProducer
-
Sujeet SinghProducer
-
Romanch SoniKey Cast"Chandan"
-
Jitesh AryaKey Cast"The stranger who gets killed"
-
DilipKey Cast"The shopkeeper"
-
Project Title (Original Language):Ann Daan MahaDaan
-
Project Type:Short
-
Runtime:11 minutes 10 seconds
-
Completion Date:August 24, 2024
-
Production Budget:300 USD
-
Country of Origin:India
-
Country of Filming:India
-
Language:Gujarati
-
Shooting Format:Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:16:10
-
Film Color:Black & White
-
First-time Filmmaker:No
-
Student Project:No
Arya Jitesh is an Indian filmmaker born and raised in Valsad, Gujarat. His passion for storytelling and cinema led him to start his filmmaking journey by creating short films, where he honed his craft and developed a unique directorial style. He made his mark in the industry with his debut Hindi feature film, Wings of Freedom, which received critical acclaim and won both Best Debut Film and Best Debut Director at the Indo Singapore International Film Festival. Arya's work reflects a deep understanding of human emotions, and his storytelling continues to captivate audiences.
Ann Dan, Maha Dan is a psychological thriller that explores the intersection of mental illness, societal pressure, and the dark corners of human nature. The film delves into the mind of Chandan, a man caught between his love for his mother and his growing inner turmoil, ultimately leading him down a path of horrific actions.
The story is not just about a man with twisted desires but also a commentary on how unresolved grief, loneliness, and the burden of unfulfilled dreams can warp reality. Chandan's seemingly mundane routine masks a deeper horror—a reflection of how easily the familiar can become grotesque when viewed through the lens of a fractured mind.
Visually, the film contrasts the ordinary with the unsettling. The warm hues of Chandan's home, filled with memories of a life once lived, sharply juxtapose the cold, sterile environments where he carries out his darker deeds. The absence of his mother’s physical presence, despite his constant dialogue with her, adds a layer of unease, reminding the audience of the thin line between reality and delusion.
Chandan's character is both a victim and a villain—a man driven by love, loss, and an insatiable hunger that he can neither understand nor control. His interactions, particularly with his deceased mother, are meant to evoke a sense of tragic empathy, even as his actions repulse.
The title, Ann Dan, Maha Dan, which translates to "Food donation is the greatest donation," is deeply ironic. It alludes to the cultural reverence for giving and the perverse way Chandan has twisted this noble act into something horrific. The film invites viewers to question the true nature of generosity, sanity, and the darkness that can reside within even the most seemingly ordinary lives.
Ultimately, this film is an exploration of the human psyche, the hidden battles we all fight, and the terrifying ways in which those battles can manifest if left unchecked. My hope is that Ann Dan, Maha Dan will leave audiences with a lingering sense of unease and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human mind.