Experiencing Interruptions?

UNDER THE OPEN SKY

Under the Open Sky is a heartwarming story of friendship, innocence, and the fragile emotions of early adolescence. Set in a small town, the film follows the deep bond between two 14-year-old boys, Surya and Sai, who spend their days together—running through fields, playing games, and going to school. Their friendship is full of laughter, mischief, and shared secrets.
Surya is a quiet, sensitive boy with a deep love for his friend Sai. Sai is more outgoing and lively, often acting as the bridge between Surya and the outside world. Their friendship starts to change when Bhumi, their classmate and Sai’s girlfriend, enters their little world. As Sai starts spending more time with Bhumi, Surya feels left out and alone. Things take a turn when Bhumi asks Surya if he is adopted—a question that deeply hurts him. Surya feels betrayed, not just by her words, but because it was Sai who shared that personal truth.
This moment creates a crack in their friendship. Surya becomes silent and distant. He questions his trust in Sai and struggles with the pain of being misunderstood. Sai, on the other hand, realizes his mistake and tries to fix things, but Surya is too hurt to listen. Their emotions reach a breaking point at school when Surya and Sai get into a fight. Despite this, Sai refuses to blame Surya in front of the teacher, showing his loyalty and guilt.
As the days pass, both boys feel the weight of their broken friendship. Surya finds comfort in his mother, while Sai becomes restless and irritable. One morning, when they cross paths again, Sai tries to talk to Surya, but he walks away. Later, after school, a small act of kindness brings them back together—Surya offers Sai a chocolate, just like the one he gave him at the start of their journey.
They walk home, side by side, smiling, teasing, and laughing again like before. Their bond is slowly healed—not through grand gestures, but through shared laughter and silent understanding.
In the end, they lie together in a field of hay under the open sky, just like at the beginning—still best friends, despite everything.
Under the Open Sky is a tender reminder of how friendships grow, break, and heal again in the beautiful, messy world of growing up

  • Parag Jawade
    Director
  • Parag Jawade
    Writer
  • Om Kalamkar
    Writer
  • Annapurna College of Film and Media
    Producer
  • Aakash Kallakuracha
    Executive Producer
  • Om Kalamkar
    Director of Photography
  • Vasishta Naik
    Editor
  • Maitri Jain
    Sound Recordist & Designer
  • Project Type:
    Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming-of-Age, Friendship, slice of life
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 49 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    738,000 INR
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Telugu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    5:4
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Annapurna College of Film and Media
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Parag Jawade

Parag is an emerging filmmaker whose work explores the quiet, intimate rhythms of human relationships. Rooted in a visual style that values restraint and emotional authenticity, Parag brings a deeply personal lens to storytelling—focusing on the inner worlds of characters and the unspoken tensions that shape them.

His debut short film, Under The Open Sky, is an artful exploration of childhood friendship, vulnerability, and forgiveness. Shot in a 5:3 aspect ratio, the film blends nostalgic imagery with a poetic narrative flow, reflecting Parag’s commitment to minimalist yet emotionally charged cinema. The use of natural light, handheld framing, and quiet silences throughout the film reveals his sensitivity to mood and moment.

Parag’s filmmaking perspective is grounded in observation rather than exposition. He prefers to let emotions unfold organically, allowing viewers to feel rather than be told. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and memories, his work often centers on youth, innocence, and the delicate complexities of human connection.

With Under The Open Sky, Parag introduces a unique voice in independent cinema—one that values stillness, subtlety, and the raw beauty of unsaid truths. He continues to develop stories that linger softly but deeply, guided by a vision that is both artistic and deeply human.

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Director Statement

This film is a love letter to the quiet, often unspoken moments of childhood—the small conflicts, acts of courage, and early decisions that shape who we become. It is not a loud or fast-paced story, but a gentle and reflective one, inviting the audience to sit with the emotions the characters experience.
The choice to use static frames in a 5:4 ratio reflects the limited and boxed-in perspective of childhood. Muted colors bring a sense of nostalgia and make the world feel familiar and timeless. With no camera movement, the focus stays on the performances and emotional depth, allowing each frame to become a window into Raman’s inner world.
I hope the film reminds viewers how fragile and meaningful childhood friendships can be. Even small choices made as children carry weight. I was drawn to tell this story to honour those quiet, formative moments that often go unnoticed but stay with us forever.