Private Project

The Story of Yuvraj and Shahajahan

Yuvraj, a young village boy feels drawn to bangle seller, Shahjahan, They Meet in a secluded place. They share their stories with each other. Yuvraj and Shahjahan lead a duel life in a society that detests homosexuality. They depart on the note of meeting again.

  • Santosh Ram
    Director
    Vartul , Galli ,Prashna
  • Santosh Ram
    Writer
    Vartul , Galli, Prashna
  • Santosh Ram
    Producer
    Vartul , Galli, Prashna
  • Rahul Biradar
    Key Cast
    "Yuvraj"
  • Vinay Bhagat
    Key Cast
    "Shahajahan"
  • Vivek Holsambre
    Key Cast
    "Father"
  • Rajkumar Munde
    Key Cast
  • Ram Surnar
    Key Cast
  • Anjali Jadhav
    Key Cast
  • Shesharao N Phawde
    Key Cast
  • Laxman Biradar
    Key Cast
  • Lakshmi Balaji Biradar
    Key Cast
    "Lakshmi"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQ+, CRIME
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Marathi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:09
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Santosh Ram

Santosh Ram is a writer and filmmaker based out of Mumbai, India. His debut short, VARTUL (CIRCLE), travelled widely to world festivals including 11th Osian’s Cine fan Film Festival, New Delhi (India), International Documentary and Short Film Festival Of Kerala and 17th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Canada), Winning Thirteen Awards .

His Second Short Film Galli (The Lane) 2015 – Selection in over Twelve Film Festivals across the world. He is one of the Curators For 11th Vibgyor Film Festival 2016 Thirussur (India).
Prashna (Question) 2020 is shortlisted for Filmfare short Film Awards 2020 and Officially Selected in Thirty Seven Film Festivals all Over the World Winning Seventeen Awards . Santosh Ram Won The Iris Award Special Mention ( Writing ) For Prashna at Unicef Innocenti Film Festival 2021 Florence , Italy . Santosh Ram won Diploma of the international competition of short feature films "For the development of education in remote areas" at 9th Zero Plus International Film Festival in the city of Tyumen (Russia).
He served as a Jury Member for 10th Chennai short & Documentary Film Festival 2022.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up in a rural village, I was always acutely aware of the unspoken rules that governed our lives. It was a world where tradition held strong, and any deviation from the norm was met with swift judgment and ostracism. As a filmmaker, I have long been drawn to stories that challenge these conventions and give voice to the marginalized. This film, inspired by true events and my own childhood observations, is a deeply personal exploration of love, identity, and societal prejudice.

In a society that condemns homosexuality, the secret meetings between Yuvraj, a young village boy, and Shahjahan, a bangle seller, are acts of profound courage. Their bond, forged in the quiet corners of their world, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the universal quest for connection. Through their story, I aim to shed light on the dual lives many are forced to lead and the silent suffering that often accompanies forbidden love.

This film is a pioneering endeavor in Marathi cinema, as it brings to the forefront a narrative that is both deeply rural and universally relevant. By setting this story in the rural landscapes of Maharashtra, I hope to highlight the unique cultural context while also emphasizing the broader themes of acceptance and empathy.

One of the most striking lessons from my childhood was the ease with which blame was assigned to others for the hardships we faced. It is a tendency that fosters division and hinders understanding. Through Yuvraj and Shahjahan's journey, I want to challenge this mindset and encourage viewers to look inward, questioning their own biases and preconceptions.

This film is not just a story of forbidden love; it is a call for compassion and a plea for a more inclusive society. By bringing these hidden lives into the light, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of human identity and the importance of acceptance.

It is my hope that this film will resonate with audiences, sparking conversations and promoting a more empathetic and inclusive view of the world. Yuvraj and Shahjahan’s story is one of many, and it is my honor to bring it to the screen.