Private Project

Kelu Da Dhaba

Mohan takes Apurva, a refined foodie, to a shady roadside restaurant in a small town in India. The restaurant is filled with only men. Her skepticism peaks more when Mohan orders Dudh Sev, an unusual curry of milk and spicy snacks. She agreed to stay iff they'll have sushi on next 15 dates. As they wait, the waiter’s lively interactions reveal the restaurant's charm.

  • Rohit Patidar
    Director
    Paapi
  • Rohit Patidar
    Writer
  • Ravi Kumar
    Key Cast
    "Mohan"
  • Soanalika DAS
    Key Cast
    "Apurva"
  • Balram Kundaliya
    Key Cast
    "Annu Bhaiya"
  • Charchit
    Key Cast
    "Maalik"
  • Raman
    Key Cast
    "Ustaad"
  • Jyotirmay
    Key Cast
    "Shankar"
  • Sonam Nurboo
    Cinematography
  • Omkar Gheware
    Editor
  • Anando Sakhare
    Sound
  • Umang Ratilal Sangani
    Executive Producer
  • Umang Ratilal Sangani
    Production Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 22, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    120 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Kolkata
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Rohit Patidar

Rohit Patidar hails from a small town Ratlam in India, currently studying Film Direction at Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute in Kolkata. His films, Paapi and Diary of Hitler Kumar, have screened at festivals like Kolkata International Film Festival. Cooking is his parallel passion, exploring themes like family, loneliness, food, and economic uncertainty. Rohit aims to create emotive films sparking meaningful conversations, discovering his unique voice while learning and growing as a filmmaker.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In 'Kelu Da Dhaba,' I aimed to capture the essence of inclusivity and acceptance that defines the humblest of Indian eateries. Inspired by my own experiences in college dhabas, I wanted to pay tribute to these vibrant spaces where people from all walks of life come together over food.

Through the unlikely pairing of Mohan and Apurva, I explored the beauty of combining two seemingly disparate elements - just like the unexpected fusion of milk and spicy sev in the signature dish, Dudh Sev which Mohan orders. As Apurva navigates the unfamiliar world of the dhaba, her initial skepticism gives way to delight, mirroring the transformative power of food to bridge divides.

Shot in a single take, our film immerses the viewer in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the bustling dhaba, evoking the warmth and chaos of these beloved gathering places. By embracing the imperfections and quirks of this shady eatery, we celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the joy of discovery.

Through 'Kelu Da Dhaba,' I hope to inspire audiences to embrace the unexpected, to seek out new experiences, and to find common ground in the shared love of food and community.