Filmmakers Shoojit Sircar and Vikramaditya Motwane are collaborating to present ‘Thursday Special,’ a short film by Varun Tandon that explores themes of love and companionship.
MUMBAI—Renowned filmmakers Shoojit Sircar and Vikramaditya Motwane have come together to support ‘Thursday Special,’ a short film directed by Indian National Award winner Varun Tandon. This film has garnered attention at various festivals, showcasing its unique storytelling and emotional depth.
Sircar, known for his acclaimed films such as ‘Piku,’ ‘Vicky Donor,’ and ‘October,’ expressed his admiration for ‘Thursday Special,’ highlighting its understated narrative style. He remarked, “’Thursday Special’ really moved me with its simplicity and gentle storytelling.” He drew parallels between this film and his own unreleased project, ‘Shoe Bite,’ which features the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.
“Varun’s nuanced portrayal of companionship, aging, and love is heartfelt and mature,” Sircar continued. “It’s a delicately handled take on marriage and middle-age relationships—especially impressive for a young filmmaker—and it reminded me, in a way, of my unreleased film ‘Shoe Bite.’”
The film tells the intimate story of Ram and Shakuntala, an elderly couple portrayed by Anubha Fatehpuria and Ramakanth Dayama. Their relationship is beautifully depicted through their shared passion for food and their cherished Thursday tradition.
Motwane emphasized the film’s focus on often-overlooked narratives. He stated, “When I watched ‘Thursday Special,’ I was struck by the fact that though all the stories we tell are human stories, we tend to forget that there are so many other stories out there in the mundane, and in the lives of people who you would not expect to have unique stories.”
‘Thursday Special’ has recently received the Most Poetic Film Award at the Küstendorf Film Festival 2025 in Serbia, a distinction personally awarded by the esteemed director Emir Kusturica. This recognition further solidifies the film’s impact and relevance in contemporary cinema.
For Tandon, whose previous short film ‘Syaahi’ earned a Special Jury Award at the Indian National Film Awards, ‘Thursday Special’ represents a long-cherished creative vision. The film has already amassed over 25 awards across various global festivals since its premiere at Mecal Pro in Barcelona. Noteworthy accolades include Best Narrative Short at the New York Indian Film Festival, Best International Short Film at the Adelaide Independent Film Festival, and Best Narrative Short at the Tryon International Film Festival.
As ‘Thursday Special’ continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of human relationships.
According to IANS, the film’s success reflects the dedication and passion of its creators, making it a significant addition to the landscape of Indian short films.