Bengaluru / Mumbai – The Marathi short film Dear Panther, produced by Dhananjay Sable and Nitin Shinde under the banner of Arhat Productions, Mumbai, has been officially selected for the prestigious Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF) – the only Oscar-accredited short film festival in India.
From a staggering 3,213 submissions worldwide, only 266 films, documentaries, and short films were shortlisted, with just 31 short films making it to the final competition lineup. Dear Panther stands proudly among them as the sole Marathi-language short film representing Maharashtra in this global Oscar-qualifying platform.
The film has also earned recognition on the international stage, securing a Quarter-Finalist position at the Kobani International Film Festival, Germany. Previously, it received a Special Screening at the 10th Ajintha-Ellora International Film Festival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and garnered high praise at the PK Rosy Short Film Festival in Chennai earlier this year. Notably, acclaimed South Indian filmmaker Pa. Ranjith lauded the film’s theme and presentation during the Chennai screening.
A Story Rooted in Social Justice
Written and directed by Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable, Dear Panther tells the gripping story of a highly educated young man, nicknamed “Panther,” who holds a PhD but works as a fourth-class municipal employee. The film portrays his relentless fight for the rightful housing of himself and his colleagues—workers who, despite decades of service, have been denied permanent homes by the government.
The name “Panther” is a symbolic tribute to revolutionary movements—taking inspiration from the Black Panther Party founded in Oakland, California in 1966, and the Dalit Panther movement established in Mumbai in 1972 to fight for the rights of the socially and economically oppressed.
Through powerful storytelling, the film juxtaposes India’s celebrated scientific achievements, such as the launch of Chandrayaan-3, with the harsh socio-economic realities faced by its marginalized citizens. It questions whether true progress can be claimed while systemic inequalities persist.
Realism at its Core
One of the unique aspects of Dear Panther is its casting—many of the actors are actual fourth-class municipal workers living in Mumbai’s chawls, still waiting for their promised housing. The authenticity of their performances adds a raw, emotional weight to the film. Veteran actress Vanita Kadam, in her 70s, delivers a deeply moving portrayal without any prior acting experience.
The film’s cinematography by Ajay Sagar captures the gritty reality of Mumbai’s chawls, while music by Pratik Borse and precise editing by Shonali Dhakane-Sable ensure a tight, emotionally engaging narrative. VFX by Swapnil Sargade’s team is used creatively, including a striking sequence where a chapati transforms into the moon—symbolizing the hunger and struggles hidden behind the nation’s technological triumphs.
Behind the Scenes Challenges
The idea for the film was sparked when Sable read a news report about the tragic deaths of two sanitation workers in a drainage accident, coinciding with the nationwide celebration of the Chandrayaan launch. Determined to tell this story, the crew faced numerous challenges, including denied shooting permissions for high-risk drainage scenes. Eventually, with help from local activists in Dadar’s Kasarwadi area, filming began and continued for nearly 11 months.
During shooting in Chunabhatti, the team faced harassment from local goons and certain police personnel, but production was able to resume through the intervention of executive producer Amar Lahane.
A Milestone for Marathi Cinema
With its selection at BISFF and international recognition, Dear Panther stands as a proud achievement for Marathi cinema, spotlighting pressing social issues through the lens of realism. The film is expected to feature in more reputed international film festivals in the coming months.
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Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable
