Private Project

The Blessed and The Damned

At the heart of this film is Bhushan Paswan, a dedicated railway trolley worker who spends his days in quiet perseverance and his nights seeking solace in a bottle. His demanding job takes a toll on his body, but he accepts it, much like his fellow working-class companions. They all silently navigate life's challenges. However, everything changes on an unfortunate day when Bhushan's son is accused of a crime. The fallout from this incident hurls Bhushan into a turbulence of injustice, where the orchestrator of his mayhem is none other than his senior officer, Pradeep Shrivastav. Despite Bhushan's innocence, Shrivastav's wrath engulfs him like a relentless storm, a clash between authority and integrity. Now, faced with an agonizing dilemma, will Bhushan chalk this up as just another hardship in his tough routine? Or will there be a response? This subaltern tale of an ordinary trolley man stands at a crossroads, torn between the familiar comfort of endurance and the daunting path of speaking out.

  • Aniket Kumar
    Director
  • Aniket Kumar
    Writer
  • Snigdha Sharma
    Producer
  • Murari Kumar
    Key Cast
    "Bhushan Paswan"
  • Avinash Gupta
    Key Cast
    "Pradeep Shrivastav"
  • Anjali Sharma
    Key Cast
    "Manju Paswan"
  • Rohit Basfore
    Key Cast
    "Bachchu Yadav"
  • Ravi Kumar
    Key Cast
    "Vinod Rajak"
  • Jai Prakash Singh
    Key Cast
    "Rajnish Sharma"
  • Nishant Kumar
    Key Cast
    "Riku"
  • Tarun Baidya
    Key Cast
    "Ramnaresh"
  • Vibhas Singh
    Key Cast
    "Mohan"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    D-Grade se A-Grade Tak
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    4,196 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
  • JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
    Mumbai
    India
    October 29, 2023
    Indian premier
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Aniket Kumar

A filmmaker from Bihar, India, currently pursuing Direction & Screenplay Writing at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, India.

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Director Statement

"D-Grade Se A-Grade Tak" is a heartfelt cinematic exploration of human emotions and societal complexities. The film delves into the stories that demand to be heard, revealing the struggles and resilience of individuals facing injustice and prejudice. At its core is Bhushan Paswan, a railway trolleyman, whose journey through societal adversity forms the focal point.

The film resonates with authenticity, reflecting the universal theme of human strength in the face of adversity. As the director, my primary aim is to create a deep and immersive connection that transcends cultural barriers. My childhood memories from a tranquil railway colony inspire this project, where the sounds of trains and the camaraderie of neighbors weave a tapestry of emotions. The enigmatic life of a railway trolleyman fascinated me – their tireless journeys and unwavering connection to the railway's pulse.

The film's visual and auditory artistry aims to transport viewers into a world of contrasts. Echoing the spirit of 1970s Bollywood classics, it presents Bhushan's struggles with a symphonic intensity. Cinematography captures his turmoil, while sound design echoes his journey for redemption. We have tried to pay a visual homage to the 70s era cinema of Bollywood, which adds a different force to the narrative. The railway setting provides an organic backdrop that enriches the auditory experience, blending with the story's rhythm.

Ultimately, "D-Grade Se A-Grade Tak" celebrates the indomitable human spirit, emphasizing unity, empathy, and the pursuit of dignity. Rooted in my cultural heritage, I have tried to create a universal appeal, urging us all to advocate for justice. The film is a testament to storytelling's transformative power, urging us to honor each individual's journey in a world of empathy and respect.