Bangalore, India – What would you choose – a cup of tea or coffee? At first glance, it might seem like a simple decision. But in the latest short film by indie filmmaker Prashant Jade, this metaphor becomes a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of male-dominated society and the struggles of the underdog.
“Chai Ya Coffee”, the 28th short film by XpressionZ, delves into the tumultuous life of Ananya, a naive girl-next-door whose world turns upside down. After discovering a life-altering condition and filing a missing person’s report for her boyfriend, Ananya receives a cryptic message. It leads her to a stranger who seems to know more about her life than she does herself. What unfolds is a gripping narrative of resilience, betrayal, and courage as Ananya’s casual chat with the enigmatic man spirals into a harrowing reflection on societal inequalities and the abuse of power by the rich and influential.
“Its not the gender, but the lone warrior in a battle, whose victory we need to celebrate. This short is dedicated to all those Ananyas who continue to fight against all odds,” says director Prashant Jade.
A Vision Against the Odds
Prashant Jade is no stranger to the challenges of indie filmmaking. With no film industry connections, no crew, and no financial backing, he takes on multiple roles, including writing, directing, cinematography, and production. “It somehow gets managed! The passion and the madness make you do that,” he shares with a smile.
Despite these struggles, Jade continues to bring deeply impactful stories to life, using minimal resources and maximum creativity. “Difficult to find passionate actors who would understand indie project dynamics of low to no pay and shoe-string budgets,” he laments. Yet, he expresses gratitude for actors like Saurav Verma and Batul Diwan, who bring their passion to his projects. Batul blends herself well in to the character of Ananya. One could easily feel for her. She puts across a strong point with her portrayal, “what if this happens with you?” Saurav Verma’s perfectly fits the role of a negotiator. He carries his character with ease. Adds some sort of mystery to his character. His calm demeanor is sure to bring some chills!
The Power of Storytelling
Set against the backdrop of a male-dominated society, Chai Ya Coffee forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and justice. Jade’s storytelling is both haunting and inspiring, encouraging viewers to rethink their perceptions and stand up for what is right.
At just 12 minutes long, the film is available on the XpressionZ YouTube channel, reaching audiences who appreciate raw, honest filmmaking. Jade emphasizes the challenges indie filmmakers face in the absence of OTT platform support: “YouTube release seems to be the only option.”
A Call to Celebrate the Ananyas
With every project, Prashant Jade proves that passion and perseverance can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His dedication to telling stories that matter is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. Chai Ya Coffee isn’t just a film—it’s a rallying cry for the Ananyas of the world to continue fighting against all odds.
The short film owes its success to not only the cast and crew but also the wholehearted support of Sadda Punjab, Rajajinagar, and VK Studios, Vijayanagar, Bangalore.
“Good work will be rewarded someday,” says Jade with optimism. Until then, he continues to create, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on the world of indie cinema.
Watch Chai Ya Coffee on YouTube and join the celebration of lone warriors and their victories.
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