Harela

The Film "Harela" is based on regional Uttarakhandi festival which celebrates the continuity of rituals that connect us to our roots and nature. Kaki Ji, a 60 year old woman, has an unwavering dedication to the festival rituals which symbolizes her deep-seated reverence for nature and her commitment to preserving tradition. In her daily rituals and conversations with Nari, a 25 year old house help, we see how the mountains have left an indelible mark on her soul. The mountains and the traditions representing it are not just a physical destination, they are a part of her identity and her heritage. On the other hand Nari is an optimistic young lad who's trying to maintain a balance between traditions and modernity. By the end of the film Nari leaves us with a powerful question and a choice: "who is going to take charge and return back to their roots and carry forward our traditions and heritage in a world that is constantly evolving?"

  • Hrithik Shankar Naudiyal
    Director
  • Hrithik Shankar Naudiyal
    Writer
  • Hrithik Shankar Naudiyal
    Producer
  • Dr. Madhuri Barthwal
    Key Cast
    "Kaki Ji"
  • Ne-Yo Pharswan
    Key Cast
    "Nari"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 15, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    300 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    21:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Hrithik Shankar Naudiyal

I've been doing street photography since past 7 years and you can visit me on Insta @hrithiknaudiyal_23. My pictures are also favorited by National Geographic photographers and editors multiple times on their their website.
I've also shot a documentary on starting days of my career on Acid Attack Victims for which I received a National Level award from Lok Sabha speaker of India in 2017.
And I recently shot a feature film as a cinematographer called Maali, currently travelling the film festivals. It has been selected in several film festivals like Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and Chicago South Asian film Festival where it also got nominated for best feature film.
This is my first short film as a Director and I'm very pleased to share it.

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Director Statement

I was born and brought up in Dehradun so when I went to my native village that is in Pauri Gharwal for the first time, I was rather surprised to see how my relatives who live there use to celebrate these small scale but important regional festivals over there. As a kid at that point of time I did not realize it's importance but now that I look back, I see how my generation is disconnected with our own culture, like some of us don't even know how to speak our own tongue and it hit me. If we go down this path there will come a day when no one will even know the existence of these rituals and traditions which keeps us connected to out roots. As a filmmaker it is my responsibility to inspire viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and heritage. The mountains may physically call to some, but their influence can be felt in the rituals, stories, and memories passed down through generations, no matter where we are. Ultimately, this film is a tribute to the enduring power of nature and the mountains, reminding us that their call resonates within us all, wherever we may be.