Join us and co-own our film

Contributor Testimonial - Garima Singh

2009-09-19T00:12:00.001+05:30

Here's what Garima Singh had to say about "how she got to know about Megha and what made her contribute"

The unconventional has always attracted me. I like experimenting...part of a reason why I am a scientist, professionally. I liked most of the Onir's films. WIth some people you know that they are different and they are there to make a difference. In present days world, with internet all around and much information overload, all kinds of boundaries have disappeared. So everyone knows everything or at least has access to it. But there are always people who look at the same things differently and never mind trying their best anyway.

It was not too long back that I sent a friend request to Onir on facebook, as a part of one of my mission to get in touch with inspiring and creative people throught the world. Soon I got to know about his latest project series I AM. Or may be it was the other way round but I felt welcomed as he added me on his facebook. It was great to be in touch with him and even better if in some way I could have been involved with one of his films. I do have hobbies of writing and documentary film making, but mostly for fun, never thought of making them my profession for myriads of reason. I thought at least this is a great opportunity to be a part of a creative project and a person's endeavors with experimentation for a cause. I was ready to be involved in any of them because I personally liked all of them.

Talking specifically about Megha, I feel it is a great subject in present day's situation. I could not get time initially to visit the Kashmir valley and later on couldn't get a chance to visit the place that has been so much disturbed for so many years. A few months back I watched a documentary by Sarah Singh "The Sky Below", that she had made by visiting and interviewing common people and officials in India, Pak and Kashmir. This movie was screened at Cornell and Sarah had come down for the panel discussions. I admired the way she presented the people's story. It was amazing to see the love in their hearts, the agony that they had been through and all they want now is peace. No one wants millitants or millitary. They just want to get back to the normal life. This part of the story you could never get from the news channels, politicians or the army officials. The part that she showed in her one and a half hour documentary showed how the lives of people are interconnected yet it is such a helpless state to be in.

In Onir's words : " We cannot forget. As long as we keep pushing these under the carpet, being silent and fending for ourselves and our mundane lives, we will not evolve. The fractured society that is will continue to divide us."

It is so true. The matter is too close to my heart even when I have never visited the land and I regret not visiting it after the situation went bad as much as I regret not visiting it before the situation went bad.
MEGHA points to the situation that none amongst us would like to be in, yet we keep mum. Now is the time to make difference in ways we can. I guess movies even when they cannot bring out social revolution, can certainly affect the mindset of the common people who still have movies and television as one of the most and may be only way of entertainment in India.

This was a piece of my thinking with disclaimer that it is not intended to hurt anyone's philosophies, ideas or agenda.

Thanks Lalit Koul for contributing and co-owning Megha

2009-09-17T10:27:00.001+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Massachusetts's Lalit Koul. Lalit's contribution falls in the Rs 5,000 - Rs 25,000 category.

Thanks a lot Lalit for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Radhika Apte on Abhimanyu

2009-09-16T18:58:00.004+05:30

Till now we've shared testimonials from 'I AM' team members so this will our first testimonial from the film cast.

Here's what Radhika Apte had to say

Everyday we keep on hearing about cases in which children are treated in the most insensitive way possible. And even though we've almost completed a decade in the 21st century, cases like these make me wonder whether as a nation we have done enough for these innocent souls, who are in fact our future. We talk a lot about the new face of India, but there are many children today who have to bear the brunt of cruel situations and consequently they unwillingly fall prey to the harsh treatment meted out to them by people who are more powerful. It's a very disturbing thought, and I am really glad that Onir decided to make a film based around that. We know how he has handled sensitive topics earlier, and 'I Am Abhimanyu' is no different. The film will not only present a beautiful human story, but it will compel you to think about the situation. And I say this because it made me think so. There is lot of heart in this film, and that is what we intended to bring out too - a lot of heart. Working with Onir and Sanjay Suri was a great experience, and more importantly, it was a wonderful journey, which is what makes this film very special. I would like everyone to watch this film, and I am sure you will experience the same.

An Ode to Megha

2009-09-15T09:30:00.001+05:30

Guys,

Mr Dalip Langoo is a Vocalist/Music Composer and Lyricist from Kashmir and has shared with us a Poem he wrote for "Megha". Here's what he had to say

I came to know about the project from face book. The wonderful promo attracted attention of many supporting the project financially and I could not stop myself expressing my feelings and being an artiste I penned down a poem that I recorded also for your group I M. MY best wishes are with you and we will be eagerly waiting for the sucess of the project of you all.

View more presentations from I AM The Films.

Thanks Dave Datta for contributing and co-owning Megha

2009-09-14T23:08:00.004+05:30

Seems like co-owning multiple short films is the new trend. Yes, going by our last few contributions we are happy to share that increasingly more people are contributing for more than one short films from I AM.

Earlier we had Valentina Erath from Vienna who co-owns 3 short films and Sandhya Suri Hiyaa Israni from Nigeria who co-owns 2 short films and now its Dave Datta from US who already is a co-producer for Abhimanyu and has now contributed in the 1 Lakh + category to become Co-Producer of Megha.

Thanks a lot Dave Datta for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

To become a co-owner write to us at iamthefilms@gmail.com

Why Megha? - Urmi

2009-09-14T11:47:00.000+05:30

Urmi Juvekar is the writer for Megha (fourth film in the Series 'I AM')

The trouble with ideas is that you never know where they will take you.

One of those Café Coffee Day afternoons, catching up with Onir. As usual, he is oscillating between being gung-ho about his films and depressed about life. He mentions that maybe it is high time I do one of the stories for the "I AM" series. Yes, well, sure, why not? What do you want me write?

For many days, we discuss various settings and come up with nothing. I am happy. Have you ever met a writer excited about writing? Then he drops a bombshell, actually make it two. The proposed date for shooting and hmmm… write a story about two women. I stare at him in complete disbelief.

I don't remember when we started talking about Kashmiri Pandits. I am an educated urban Indian woman and like most of my ilk, I know precious little about what happened to them. I know a lot more about what is happening in Kashmir right now-have read the Human Watch issue about Kashmir. But Pandits? I am not too sure if I want to get into it. I do not want to point fingers at any other community but mine. I don't want to seem biased.

The best thing about writing fiction is, it frees me from taking sides. I get to write only about people caught in the crossfire, people like me… for whom most of the time, the world makes no sense at all.

I discuss the basic idea. There isn't much to discuss. Of course, Onir wants it to be about two women. So one becomes a Kashmiri Pandit visiting her house after years of living in exile and the other one a Kashmiri Muslim who has stayed back to witness the mayhem.

I have always wondered about departures, forced or voluntary. We all have experienced them sometimes in life. I have never been sure if departures are bad. I mean, it is only when you leave you have a chance of arriving somewhere, of making something of yourself, of starting afresh, creating a new you. What scares me the most is never having a chance to leave…

Megha just wrote itself. I handed over the script to Onir and forgot all about it. Responses started pouring in to the AV on Facebook. They shook me up. There were too many Meghas and Rubinas out in the world and they were watching us, expecting to break the long silence inflicted on them. I was particularly moved by a piece titled 'My Mother's 22 rooms'.

After that came the trip to Kashmir and Megha became a person of flesh and blood. She stared accusingly at me from the nameplates of crumbling houses. When people leave homes, houses die. Kashmir is littered with their carcasses.

The paradise is lost- lost to those who have left and lost to those who stayed behind.

Sanjay is with us. He is stoic- checking for permissions for shootings, arranging accomodations… yet, memories keep flooding him and I begin to see Srinagar through his eyes. It was nothing like what it is now, wrapped in barbed wire twice over. Sanjay does not let on much. He doesn't speak of what happened unless asked a direct question… I am afraid to ask. I do not want to know. Do not tell me how you ran away leaving everything that you ever had to save your lives. It is unfair I keep saying to myself…too unfair.

Onir and I spend sleepless nights discussing the reasons for this silence; the absence of 24/7 news channels to make it a breaking news, power struggle between the Center and State, ego hassles between the governor and the chief minister, lack of international support… Are we making a list of reasons or excuses?

The only conclusion we reach is that someone benefited from this silence. Who?

I do not want to be an activist- do not want to belong to a camp lest you label me and not want to hear what I have to say. We always do that. Listen to Megha and Rubina's story and be not afraid to tell yours.

My only hope right now is that Megha breaks this silence. After all what is truth unless, you speak it aloud.

I AM Everywhere

2009-09-12T22:12:00.001+05:30

I AM everywhere

View more presentations from I AM The Films.

Thanks Sandhya Israni and Erath Valentina for contributing and co-owning Megha

2009-09-11T11:37:00.001+05:30

Hi Friends,

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another round of contribution from Vienna's Erath Valentina and Sandhya Suri Hiyaa Israni from Nigeria for Megha.

Valentina and Sandhya have previously contributed to Abhimanyu and Omar: Read their testimonials:

http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/07/contributor-testimonial-hiyaa-aashish.html

http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/07/contributor-testimonial-valentina-erath.html

Thanks a lot Valentina and Sandhya for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

You can checkout the entire co-owners list here: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-am-co-owners-list.html

To become a co-owner write to us at iamthefilms@gmail.com

Say 'I AM'

2009-09-10T22:13:00.000+05:30

Join us by sending a small clip of yourself saying 'I AM' and we'll put it up here

email your clips to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

I AM: Co-Producers List

2009-09-10T09:53:00.000+05:30

I AM: Co-ProducersList

I AM: Co-Owners List

2009-09-09T22:10:00.000+05:30

I AM: Co-OwnersList

Quote: Misquote

2009-09-08T12:52:00.003+05:30

In case like me you were also wondering what Rahul Bose really meant when he was quoted

'I want article 377 to become a law' in his recent interview with DNA, think no further.

Rahul has been MISQUOTED by the journalist from DNA. Rahul DOES NOT want article 377 to become a law. His stand is that it should be scrapped.

Thanks !!

'I AM' Logo

2009-09-07T23:32:00.004+05:30

Hi Guys,

Wanted to share with you the shiny new logo we've got for the film (I AM). Check it out and share how you find it

Contributor Testimonial - Rahul Razdan

2009-09-02T17:36:00.003+05:30

Here's what Rahul Razdan had to say about "how he got to know about Megha and what made him contribute"

Heard about the "I am Megha" project from a fellow Kashmiri. Was instantly attracted to the story as this is one of the rare movie that tells the story of the forgotten community of Kashmiri Pandits. I have a firm belief that Onir and Sanjay will do justice to the story.

The concept of "I Am" in itself is wonderful. In today's times we really need some meaningful cinema that highlights the various evils of the society and spreads awareness about the same. Kudos to Onir, Sanjay, and team to take a lead in this direction.

I am proud to be a part of this project. I feel happy to be able to conttribute a penny towards a good cause.

Volunteer Testimonial - Arati

2009-08-29T10:33:00.002+05:30

We shared with you all about Perception Managers joining Team "IAM". Let's also hear it from Arati on how she got involved with the project.

Perception Managers has had a long term association with Onir's movies from Bas ek pal to Sorry Bhai & now I Am. It's a priviledge to work with Onir once again on I AM which addresses issues that concern and affect each one of in some way. Onir's sensitive and delicate handling of My Brother Nikhil is been seen and appreciated not just in India but globally. We wish Onir, Sanjay Suri & the entire team Good Luck and look forward to great association on this project.

Sunayana Kumari Joins Team 'I AM'

2009-08-28T14:16:00.008+05:30

Hey Everyone,

Wanted to share with you all about Sunayana Kumari, another new joinee to the team "I AM". Here's what Sunayana had to say about how it all happened for her

A brief conversation with actor Rahul Bose (no, unfortunately he’s not a ‘friend’, as a lot of you might presume) led me to this gig. “So you’ve studied journalism and now you want to work in films?” – he quizzed me rather skeptically over the phone. After listening to me answer in the affirmative, he told me that he’d call me as soon as something came up. While I was expecting to receive this ‘call’ by sometime next year, my phone which lay next to me began to buzz his name again in a matter of seconds. Once he was on the line, he wasted no time and asked if I would like to assist in Onir’s latest project. “Onir, as in the director of My Brother Nikhil?!” came my inapt response to that query. From my shrill tone it became fairly obvious to both of us that I would only be too glad to work on this project.

I was scheduled to meet Onir for an interview on the 27th of July, which was a Monday. Sunday night therefore was spent going over blogs dedicated to this latest venture by Anticlock Films. As I sat on my bed reading about the series of shorts and learning that while meant to entertain they were also based on significant issues in our society, my excitement level began to soar. I remembered the uncharacteristic, emotionally charged speech I had made to my parents in a bid to let them allow me to work in films. I had said to them that eventually I’d make films that were politically and socially conscious and hence noble and hence they should let me and so on and so forth…. But here I was about to do just that in my very first assignment. Yes, I consider my self lucky.

Luckier still because I am part of the best team ever. The team comprises of individuals who are sophisticated in their knowledge of film making, kind to me and above all, a lot of fun. The Omar shoot has been a great learning experience and I can’t wait to start work on the remaining shorts

WHY MEGHA ?

2009-08-27T09:00:00.001+05:30

In the beginning there was chaos, and nothing but chaos… and I stepped into the chaos looking for an answer….

I remember from the time I was in school in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Kashmir was the place my mother always wanted to come to… a place of romance and beauty…. Years passed by… we never made it to Kashmir … and then the unrest… but now the dream that lay dormant in her was a living dream in me. I was looking for an excuse to visit this place…

About a year and half back I read the story of a successful Kashmiri Model in Bangladesh. One fine day he was arrested as a suspect RAW agent. After 40 days in prison he was deported to India. On arrival at the Delhi airport he was arrested as an ISI agent and kept in Tihar for three months. He was released because of lack of evidence, but not given a clean chit. The contradiction in the whole episode excited me….

He flew down to Mumbai and I met him. There was the man – once a model, now a suspect, a man with a broken nose, a limp and a few scars standing in front of me. Over the next few days we spoke and I realized that his story is not what I wanted to make a film on, but it started the process of another story in me. His conversations with me raised many questions in me. These were fragmented thoughts, scattered images and half spoken words.

Then I decided that I had to go…. On the 14th of October 2007, I was driving out of Srinagar airport-“WELCOME TO PARADISE” the sign board read… and all around it were bunkers, armored vehicles, barbered wires and army men. I heaved a sigh -Paradise indeed! This was the paradox that was to become a part of my sight and sound over the next few days. We drove straight to Azaan’s (my friend and guide) house. This would be my abode for the next few days as the family absolutely refused to let me stay in a hotel. I am glad that I did not insist. This was the first time I was living with a Muslim family. And the experience was most enriching. So many misconceptions, so many apprehensions – all destroyed over the next days as I ate, slept, chatted, and discovered Srinagar with Azaan and his family.

Once back in my Versova flat I try and give shape to my story but I realize that now it is perhaps more fragmented, scattered because that is what I feel about Kashmir… The shape is shapeless.

Images, images…. The magnificent Chinar trees, the cold fresh air, the extremely polluted and dirty Dal lake, the piercing looks of the army Jawans, PTV blaring everywhere, Café Arabica, Boulevard road, The posh new cottages, the burnt Habakadal with its memories of migrant Hindus, the beautiful woodwork that adorned ceilings, doors windows etc, the magnificent Dastgir sahab, the absolutely adorable kids( what was striking is how kids seem to roam around so freely in groups without any fear), the pony tailed today’s fashionable kashmiri boys, the colourfully dressed beautiful confident kashmiri women, the nun chai(salt tea), the food( I was eating all the time), The lonely army jawan, the wandering shepherds….

The day I was supposed to return back home I took a long walk up the mountain road… and at one point where it overlooked the whole city I sat down. I felt immensely sad – sad for the valley caught in this conflict of two nations, sad for this valley where trees were disappearing, heritage structures falling apart and ugly new malls coming up. Sad for the jawan whom I was trying to photograph when he stopped me ‘mera naukri jayega( I will loose my job)… paanch minute baitkar bath hi karloh( why don’t you chat with me for five minutes)”. I sat with him as he spoke about his home in the far west, about being unloved and unwanted by the local people, about being on the brink of death all the time, about a desire to speak to someone other than his colleagues.

I smiled as I thought of the young Kashmiri girls who refused to believe that I was a director, and thought that they were far better looking than the Bollywood actresses.At the same time I felt uneasy when I saw the look many of them had when a group of pretty kashmiri women passed them. I thought how I would feel if I had to pass by a man with a gun every ten minutes….I would not be happy. I know it is much more complex, but this is definitely not it! They were not complaining because things are much better now, and they have accepted this as a part of their lives…. Would I be able to do that- I am afraid not, because they also represent memories of torture, abduction, rape and death.

I remembered my walk through Habakalal, trying hard to control my tears as I stood before the house of a Hindu friend who had to migrate after the militants murdered a family member. I remembered all the stories he had told me about the house, about the chinar outside his house, about the bridge across the river on the way to his school, about the loud speaker blaring in the night asking the kafir’s (Hindu’s) to leave…. About the house with eighteen rooms… so many memories.

Later in the night in the privacy of my room I wept… wept for all those people who lost their homes, live lives in refugee camps and who have the right to this “paradise”. I remembered my home- in Bhutan, remembered how we had to leave because of political unrest, how it affected my mothers health for good, remember our car pulling away from the house of my childhood, remember the students from my dad’s school standing on both the sides of the road and throwing rose petals on our car… and my dad’s face, unflinching, strong, trying hard to control his tears waving to the kids says a good bye to the school and house he built 25 years ago.

Memories jumble, emotions erupt, images intermingle…. And I know the script is beginning, the film that I have to make- a film set in kashmir, about the loss of identity, loss of home, of history, of fear, of hope and despair….That is perhaps where the germ of MEGHA started. I started working on a script on Kashmir with Merle Kroger called THE FACE…. But somewhere the story of the dual loss was disappearing.

As we started the “I AM” series I thought that it would be maybe the right platform to start the process. I spoke to my friend and writer URMI JUVEKAR (writer Oye Lucky Lucky Oye) about the concept. She readily agreed to write the film.

Working together with Urmi has been again something that both of us have been trying for a while …. And somehow it never happened after 1994….Fifteen years later it is happening now. … MEGHA was born……

This is a film that tells the story of the paradox that is Kashmir. The story of 300,000 migrants, who have lost their home and identity. This is the story of a population stuck in a conflict situation where nothing moves.

This is the story of two friends MEGHA and RUBINA which reflect the two sides of the same coin…..

CAST

We at ANTICLOCK FILMS offer you an opportunity to be a part of a process of the making of a film, to

be a part owner of a film. You can do this my contributing monetarily for the making of the film. To that end, we’ve established four different ways to help:

· Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 – Students category. Acknowledgement on the website and the end credits.

(Treated as donation)

· Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 – Acknowledgements in the end credits( Treated as donation/pledge)

· Rs 25,000 to Rs 100,000 – Return of your contribution at the time of the final film release and

acknowledgement in the end credits

· Rs 100,000 to Rs 15,00,000 – Acknowledgements in the beginning titles of the film and

proportionate share in the profits.

Total budget of each short film is – Rs 30,000,00 (Rupees thirty lacs)

Funds in Place by Anticlock Films – Rs 15,000,00 (Rupees fifteen lacs)

Please spread word and help support a film that wants to make a difference. Thank you.

· Contact: anticlockfilms@gmail.com

· Amar : +91 98337 48111

Connect

· Facebook: http://facebook.com/iammegha

· Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamthefilms

· Website coming soon : www.iamthefilms.com

· Cheques to be made for Anticlock films and sent to :

181 PARIKH BUNGALOW

FIRST FLOOR

ARAM NAGAR II

J.P.ROAD VERSOVA

ANDHERI WEST

MUMBAI 4000 61

INDIA

DIRECTED BY ONIR

PRODUCED BY SANJAY SURI AND ONIR

WRITTEN BY URMI JUVEKAR

DOP : ARVIND KANNABIRAN

EDITOR: IRENE DHAR

SOUND DESIGN : ARUN NAMBIAR

MUSIC : AMIT TRIVEDI

Bianca Saldanha Joins Team 'I AM'

2009-08-25T14:01:00.004+05:30

Hey Guys,

Hope you are doing good.

In the mad rush of work we missed updating you about another member that joined team 'I AM', but better late than never.

Here's what Bianca had to say about how she got involved

I came to Bombay just 10 days before I joined Anticlock films and all the while I was playing safe trying to look for editing gigs. A lot of people I met from the industry discouraged me from looking for work on a film production set saying I wouldn’t be able to pull it off due to the hard work and long hours. I don’t know if they were being sexist or plain nice, but having just graduated from film school, I was no stranger to working the graveyard shift. Weekends were always few and far between. I once worked non-stop for 37 hours on my student film, doing what I love, while never letting anything weigh me down.

And so in my pursuit of achieving my goals, an aunt of mine got me in touch with her best friend – Aunt Indu (Purab Kohli’s mother) – who is a friend of Onir’s. She forwarded a copy of my resumé to Onir and I ended up meeting him at his office the following day. A script reading, a few discussions with Amar and Onir, and I was on. I joined the “Abhimanyu” bandwagon just 10 days before we went into production, and what a ride it has been since then! All of this took a while to sink in but I think it actually hit me on my first day on the sets of Abhimanyu when I was seeing what I had been dreaming of for the longest time. And that is being on set - of a film in the making; of dreams materializing.

I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be selected to be part of this team and their projects. No, I’m not about to lay it on thick, but all I will say is during the entire time of my study in Toronto, the only hindi film I actually sought out to buy and watch was Sorry Bhai!, and only because it was made by Onir. Well, you didn’t know that Onir, but I guess, now u do!

What with the Abhimanyu shoot just being wrapped up, and Omar almost close on the heels, all I can say is that working with Onir, Sanjay Suri and everyone else at Anticlock films has been my most amazing work experience by far! And with Megha, Afia and Rudra left to round off this 5 short film series, I’m only looking forward to making more memories!

Bianca Saldanha

Megha Proposal

2009-08-22T22:16:00.003+05:30

Megha Proposal

Anticlock Films Presents - Team OMAR

2009-08-17T01:02:00.002+05:30

I AM OMAR

Featuring
Rahul Bose
Abhimanyu Singh
Arjun Mathur (as Omar)

Banner: Anticlock Films
Producers: Sanjay Suri and Onir
Director: Onir
Cinematographer: Arvind Kannabiran
Story Screen Play: Merle Kroeger and Onir
Dialogues: Ashwini Malik
Music: Vivek Philip
Playback Singer: Karthik
Lyrics: Amitabh Varma
Editing: Irene Dhar Malik
Sound Design: Arun Nambiar
Engineer: Sameer C
Art Director: Sujith Sawant
Still Photography: Thulasi Kakkat
Make up Director: Elton Fernandez
Costume Designs: Manish Malhotra
Publicity Design: Siddharth Dutta
Graphics: Sidharth Meer
Asst Directors: Amar Kaushik, Sundeep Malani, Akhil Chaudhary, Archis Achrekar, Bianca Saldanha, Kumari Sunayna, Sumith Arora
Assistant Cameraman: Reddy, Vidushi Tiwari
Online Marketing: Mayank Dhingra
Making of Omar: Rajeev Kohli
Production Manager: Mohan Joshi
Production Assistant: Rakesh Jain, Rajesh Patel, Lalith
PR and Promotion: Arati Salgaonkar (Perception Managers)

So how do you find Omar's cast ?

I AM NewsLetter

2009-08-15T14:02:00.003+05:30

Hello Guys,

This post is to announce that we plan to start a newsletter for 'I AM' films. This newsletter will be used to share all the latest about five short films before they are put on the web. So the newsletter subscribers get to hear it all before rest of the world.

Also, this newsletter will give you the chances to stay connected more tightly/closely with the team and fans. You can share your feedback and help us do a good job

If you'd like to subscribe to the newsletter, drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Thanks

"Perception Managers" joins team "I Am"

2009-08-12T20:08:00.000+05:30

We tread in a lane where many have refrained. "I Am" touches upon untold issues that are pertinent and relate to the present. The right medium, the right meaning, in the right concoctions needs to be administered to the world that bridges the gap between "real reelism" and the absolute ground truth.

We are happy to welcome a team that believes in Bridging The Perception : Reality Gap. Welcome ARATI SALGAONKAR , CEO - Perception Managers for volunteering to manage the Public Relations and Promotions of "I Am".

Required a Software Developer Intern

2009-08-11T12:16:00.003+05:30

Guys,

This goes out to all the software guys. We at Anticlock Films Pvt Ltd are looking to hire a software developer intern or a fresher. It will be a permanent job based out of our Mumbai Office(with provision for work from home occassionaly). The job role would be to help us code a few new websites and maintain the existing ones. So if you are a fresher software engineer looking for a job that doesn't suck, here's the opportunity for you. You'll get to work on interesting projects and have the company of great film guys, the likes of Onir and Sanjay Suri.

Those interested can write to us at abhimanyu DOT anticlockfilms AT gmail DOT com

Amar Weds Nalini

2009-08-06T20:07:00.007+05:30

Guys,

We've got a great news from Abhimanyu Camp. Amar Kaushik our first AD and Onir's close pal has tied the knot with his long time sweetheart Nalini in her home town Jabalpur on 5th. This is indeed a very special week for Amar who also celebrated his birthday on the 4th.

Amar and Nalini have been dating each other for a good ten years before they exchanged their vows. Amar who was accompanying Onir for AFIA's recee in Delhi, left for home with just a day in hand before the wedding and that's not it, the poor err dedicated guy will be back to work on Monday for OMAR's pre-production.

Many congratulation to both Amar and Nalini on behalf of the entire team of 'I AM' films and wishing them a happy and prosperous life ahead.

The Making of Abhimanyu - IV

2009-08-04T15:41:00.005+05:30

Casting for Kids!

Onir needed 4 kids for the film of different ages to play the younger versions of Abhimanyu. And he was interested in casting local Bangalore talents for the kid’s role, with the condition that the kids should speak Hindi fluently. What next? Destination – Nalini Ratnam! She handles the artist management in Bangalore.
Well, when Nalini and Onir met, there was this positiveness from both the side, both got the feeling that – things would work out for the best.
Yep! Onir narrated the subject to Nalini and she understood what Onir wanted. Immediately she put up a list of photographs on her laptop – that Onir had to chose upon. Could see the sparkle in Onir’s eye, as he could visualize his Abhimanyu’s amongst those kids.
One o one for the different ages, Nalini later sent the pics to Onir and he later short listed a few of them.
That’s when, Onir had some relief in adjusting his budget, coz if the kids were brought from Mumbai, then the parents had to be accompanied as well, and then their stay, their to and fro.. would add up to the budget.
Having kids here in Bangalore, worked out in favor for Onir.
What next, Onir and the DOP left back to Mumbai to return back to Bangalore soon.

Meantime, the kids which were shortlisted from Nalini Ratnam, were auditioned with their script lines given to them. As many as 10 kids and a few teens were auditioned, sent it to Onir and from there came the Result – These are the right choice, Baby.. Ahaa!

More on Nalini Ratnam and the Kids in the next....(to be continued)

Sundeep Malani

Looking for a FLAT in Delhi, Any Sponsors ?

2009-08-04T11:00:00.005+05:30

Hello Guys,

Here's another chance for you to be a part of "I AM" films. We plan to start shooting AFIA in late August/September and we'll be needing a flat for shooting in Delhi for a couple of days. If you want to be a part of a film for social cause, here's the opportunity for you.

Needed: A Flat with modern furniture in an upmarket area in Delhi around 23rd September. Prefarably a bit messy bachelor/student apartment.

If you or someone you know would like to offer your/their flat for the same, please get in touch with us at abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

The Making of ABHIMANYU - III

2009-08-02T23:48:00.002+05:30

Reece again!

So, as the Production Manager was not upto the mark, our DOP got someone whom he knew to help us around in getting some good locations and also help in the shooting process. And, Pradeep Belawadi, the theater person came into the picture. He showed us some huge houses/bungalows in the outskirts of the city and couple of other locations. But I guess... yet, the right and the exact look which Onir wanted were not yet viewed by his eye. And then, through some contacts of Onir and Arvind, came across Archna Balan, who was very much vibrant and read Onir's eye. His view, his vision.. was very clear to Archna. She did show a bungalow at Koramangala to us.. which was exactly what Onir had it in his mind.
Lemme add here that - If not for this Bungalow that finally got selected/shot.. I m sure Onir wouldn't have been happy much as he had expected it to be.
So, we locked upon the house at Koramangala.
Also got the Shankara Foundation at Kanakapura Road.
I could have my friend Ricky Kej give his editing Studio for the shoot.
We zeroed on a Discotheque at Brigade Road too.

And what Onir liked the most, was the Coffee shop... the one at the heart of the city @ MG Road.. Koshy's which he was very keen upon. But unfortunately, with whatever sources we used, met the proprietor and also tried all the influences.. Koshy could not be part of the Abhimanyu shoot. Instead, it was Mohan Joshi (Anticlock Films) who tried his charm and his way of speech to convince the Manager of the Coffee Day at Brigade Road to shoot by paying them their rentals.

The Reece finally was all locked with Onir finding his proper locations.
With being finalized as the locations, Onir then moved on to hunt for his starcast.. The important characters in the film - The child artists. And that's when; we got Nalini Ratnam at our rescue.

…to be continued

Sundeep Malani

4 BILLI'S ,4 KIDS , 3 AMAZING LADIES AND THE SINGER IN THE ADJOINING BATHROOM.

2009-08-01T13:37:00.004+05:30

On the 16th morning I boarded the GO airways flight from Mumbai to Bangalore. Another film was about to be born.... I AM ABHIMANYU would be a part of a series of short stories that would form my fourth feature film I AM. Yet it felt like as if one was starting all over again, but maybe that’s what’s exciting about film making, you start all over again for every film you make, discover new unexplored bits of yourself and thus you are born again.16th all day I spent along visiting cats. We saw somewhere about 38 cats to finally zero down on 3 . One trained cat was supposed to come from Mumbai. I remember the jet black kutten Sambhunath ... so endearing that we immediately wanted him. And then there was Lady... a beautiful proud furry cat. This is where I met the amazing couple Yashmin and her husband. They take care of about two dozen cats and they offered to help us by bringing them over to the set and being with them all thru the day.

After that I was with another wonderful lady Nalini Ratnam who had shortlisted kids for me. This was not easy, especially to explain to a child of 6 that it’s a film about child sexual abuse. But surprisingly all the parents were extremely supportive of film.Next morning as I entered the bathroom in my hotel I was greeted with loud singing from the adjoining bathroom and I froze. That is one thing I cannot handle. I was feeling embarrassed as I called my Bangalore line producer to rescue me. Well she is the third amazing lady in this city. Archana Balan was there with a smile on her face that said “ You should have listened to me in the first place”. She took us to this place called SU CASA at Indiranagar. And that is where the entire team was till the end of the shoot. And thanks to her for this and many more that i retained my sanity.

The making of I AM ABHIMANYU is anyway an unique experience for me, maybe for everyone involved. 7 CO PRODUCERS/ 34 CO- OWNERS from 17 cities across the world, more than 30 volunteers in form of cast and crew made this film a reality. There is so much energy behind this film that I think i have felt so motivated after a very long time. I am stressed and yet i could not ask for more. To have the confidence of so many people is overwhelming. MY friend DOP Arvind Kannabiran joined me on the 18th along with the 24x7 ready and helpfull first AD of mine AMAR. From the 18th to the 20th we were revisiting the locations/ planning out the shots/finalising the kids and the cats for the shoot and sorting out other production details.

I knew this would not be an easy shoot as it was the first for many of the crew involved..... but then the ship had cast sail and we had to make it to the shore.I cannot write down what I felt during the five days of shoot. Glimpses of memories come and that’s what I will pen down...my scattered thoughts. Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe it’s too many thoughts. Maybe I am already worrying about Omar and AFIA.I remember how the first day we had planned to shoot a relatively easy sequence on the terrace garden - A song and a scene.

The first thing that went wrong is that Lady refused to behave lady like. I think so many people, the lights and the noise just unnerved her. After a couple of hours I resigned to the thought that I will have to shoot the sequence minus the cat. I would rewrite the film by deleting the cats. Arvind looks said “Fool I warned you from day one, not in a small budget film with so much of time constrain”. And to add to salt to the injury the cats were super friendly with Arvind.So Lady left and we started shooting “bhojhase se....”. But then the clouds and the sun decided to be play full and keep playing hide and seek. It was frustrating how in the middle of the shot suddenly the clouds would appear and we would have to stop. Time and stock was running. We took a quick decision. Let’s start shooting what we planned to shoot the next day.... some intense scenes. Thankfully Radhika and Sanjay being seasoned across I was not so worried about them getting into something so intense the first day.

That was a good decision because things started moving. Soon the clouds cleared and Sambhunath had arrived. We started shooting the song again with him. At the end of the day we completed more than what we had planned. That’s why they say that sometimes crisis is most productive.The second day was relatively peaceful. And we were happy that despite all the odds we completed what we were supposed to complete on time.

Day three started with us setting up a sequence with the boy Zubin, Anurag ans Shenaz. I was all excited to work with Anurag. It amazing how he drops the garb of a film maker so easily. I was touched how both Shenarz and Anurag refused any token money for the film. I knew this was perhaps a special film for Anurag as he is a survivor.As we started shooting we realised that a worse replay of Day one was happening. The ”TRAINED” cat from Mumbai just refused to behave. The poor animal must have been treated so badly by its owner that he seemed totally traumatised. The minute any of us picked him up he scratched and panicked. Of course there was Yashmin immediately offering her help, trying to pacify the cat and then finally getting us another kitten. But by then the clouds and sun decided to start playing with us once again.We put the scene on hold and shifted inside to shoot the scene with Dristh( 7yrs ol) and Anurag. It was supposed to be a rather intense scene. But somehow the angrier Anurag looked the more Dristh Laughed. He just could not keep a straight face. And if u scolded him a lil he burst into tears and my heart would no let me use that mode to make him act.After a couple of hours we abandoned the scene. We rushed outdoor( As the sky had cleared) to shoot the scene with Zubin. By then Yasmin had got another sweet kitten for us.Later we decided to shoot some other scenes that day while I re planned how to shoot with Dristh. Actually it was my mistake. I should have anyway scheduled some easier scenes first.... that’s how we finally managed to move on and finally complete the abandoned scene next day. By then he was much more relaxed and we worked the shots in a way were we could cheat a bit.

Fourth day worked was fun. The boy who acted as 17 year old Abhimanyu was a boy with a rather intense and sensitive face. Maybe a talent I would like to groom. Radhika, Sanjay Anurag and Shenarz provided the in between much needed relief of gossip and fun.

Day five Rahul Bose joined us for the shoot at the Brigade road Coffee Day along with Sanjay and Arry Dabbas( a model in Bangalore) and later Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi shot with us for a scene at night club.As the last shoot got canned I looked at Arvind and Sanjay. We had done it again. ... after My Brother Nikhil once again we were working together, under similar budget constraints. But at the end of it we were smiling. That’s the magic of seeing a film take shape.... and thanks to all the amazing people on Face Book, our entire crew of volunteers and others who made this possible.This is the beginning of a possible alternate way of film making for independent cinema in India.... Now the journey begins for Omar......

-Onir

CASTING OPPURTUNITIES: AFIA

2009-08-01T13:16:00.003+05:30

Hi Guys,

We've got an interesting opportunity for Delhi/Kashmir based actors for Onir's upcoming short film "AFIA", which is third short film in the five film series. Here are the requirements, those interested should get in touch ASAP as Onir would be in Delhi tomorrow and might just meet the actors.

Boy(19-23)... Fluent in english n hindi/ has to be Kashmiri/ boyish/ profile of character... works in a call centre.
Boy(24-27).... Lanky kashmiri/ bony/ deep set eyes/ can look haggard/ fragile.. ex- millitant/ suffering from Trauma.
Swiss/German man(45-55), heads an NGO/ suave/enigmatic/ attractive
Lady(25-28) delhi girl/ works in switzerland with an NGO/ sophisticated...mother of 4 year old/well educated and well spoken in Hindi n English.

If you or any one you know fits the bill, write to us on abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

The Making of Abhimanyu – II

2009-08-01T07:50:00.003+05:30

Recce

And then, Onir decided to come down to Bangalore to have a look at the locations. Also his production Manager from Mumbai Mohan Joshi (working for Anticlock Films) came along.
In Bangalore, we needed a production Manager to help us getting permissions and finding locations. Although my trusted manager, Krishna (who worked with me for all my earlier films) wasn’t in town and was shooting at Vizag, he recommended someone at the last hour. Well, it’s a different story altogether that the person was slow in his work and was not punctual and not getting us into the right direction. And to add to it, blame on the Bangalore traffic, the day went slow, things got delayed and end of the day, did not achieve anything. And the locations which Onir saw, wasn’t upto the mark.

Let me add here that: Onir is actually so punctual in his casting that, even the house, the background, the block that he decides has to match to his expectations. Such a perfectionist, one need to learn a lot for him. Every thing in his movie, irrespective of the stars, his locations and the block that he decides is a character in the film. That’s why Onir films are actually ‘different’ from the regular mainstream cinema.

Getting back to Recce, not much happened on the first day, and then the second day we left early morning to a far off place, outskirts of Bangalore to find a field and a lake beside. Although it was a good long ride with fresh air in the early morning, the end result was not in favor of Onir. Hmm.. It definitely striked to my mind that, I did not do a right thing in getting a good production manager (I was in fact, calling my manager at Vizag giving him complaints about this local manager).

Joining us that day was the DOP – Arvind Kannabiran who flew down to have a look at the locations. (Its another incident that I need to mention here – but will keep it on hold for another day – exclusive).

So, we doubled with Onir, Kannabiran, Myself, Mohan & the local manager rounding about Bangalore from place to place… hunting for the locations, finding out the exact directions of the place, and wasting our time. That’s when, Kannabiran and Onir came to a conclusion – we have to find someone else immediately, and to our rescue we found someone else, in contacts through Arvind Kannabiran.

…. To be continued

Sundeep Malani

For all those who need to know:
Recce (pronounced "recky") is a military term that has been borrowed by media production in the United Kingdom, derived from "reconnoiter" (the verb form of "reconnaissance"). It is a pre-filming visit to a location to work out its suitability for shooting, including access to necessary facilities and assessment of any potential lighting or sound issues.

The making of Abhimanyu!

2009-07-31T17:25:00.003+05:30

Location Hunting!

Lemme start this diary on the making of Abhimanyu, with the initial beginning - the Location Hunting in Bangalore. When Onir decided that he will make Abhimanyu in Bangalore, he told me his requirements of the locations (that goes with the script). As I was based in Bangalore, it was easier for me to get hold of locations - And as the script demanded a few of them including two houses, cafe day, studio and a disc, I was on the move to get hold of them.
Easier to get them, had the photos clicked of the locations and sent it to Onir. I had sent lots of photos of different bungalows that was needed. Hmm... to be very frank, Onir did not like most of them and zeroed in a few to have a look when he comes down for Recce.
So, I got ready to show him two bungalows, three different houses, two editing studios, discos/pubs amongst others.

.....to be continued

Sundeep Malani

Birthday wishes for Rahul Bose from a Fan

2009-07-28T11:54:00.002+05:30

Hi Rahul,

1st of all a very very happy (belated) B'day. Wish you all the success and luck in the coming year. Also appreciate the fact that you are part of "Abhimanyu" now, I was any how excited about the film since the day Onir shared the Idea with his FB friends.... but honestly the excitement got doubled when I got to know that you are gona be part of the project.... really looking forward to your work and the film itself.... Thought i somehow refrain myself from quoting "I am a big fan" kinda statement, but when it comes to people like you I have to say I admire your work and the persona you carry.... keep it up.. hope i can meet you sometime and exchange few words......

Take care, have a gr8 year ahead... God Bless..

Regards

Saurangshu Kanunjna

Bangaloreans gets Branded!

2009-07-28T09:48:00.002+05:30

Abhimanyu! It can be your child. It can be you.
Yep. Everyone wanted to get a share of Abhimanyu as everyone loves him. Want to caress him, want to shower their love, blessings on him. Want to own him.
And Bangalore and Bangaloreans got a chance to be with him and own him too!

Abhimanyu got branded by the following names, who have got themselves in some or the other way associated to the project. And as they have done so, Anticlock Films team, Onir and Sanjay Suri thanks all of them, for their whole hearted support.

* Nalini Rathnam for helping in getting the kids, and letting her place for Auditioning
* Archna Balan and her team of Bottle Films (Murali and Nikhil) for taking care of the shoot and voluntarily being the Online Producers.
* Yasmine Claire and Jayaprakash Satyamurthy for lending their cats to be showcased in the film.
* Abhishek Dhar for giving his car for the entire shooting schedule.
* Rreshma Malani for designing costume for Pooja Gandhi.
* Silver R Malani for giving his cycle, toys and kids props for the shoot.
* Ricky Kej for letting us shoot at his Music Editing Studio.
* Viren Khanna for getting in his hi profile guests to be part of the shoot at the Disco Lounge
* Actress Pooja Gandhi for voluntarily accepting the role and being a part of the cause.
* Model Arry Dabas for doing a cameo in the film voluntarily
* Gurudas Kamath, Shylaja Hegde, Ananth Narayan for renting their place for the shoot and lending their full support.
* Press & Media for covering the shooting report.

And all ye Bangaloreans

Thanks
On Behalf of Anticlock Films & Abhimanyu,
Sundeep Malani
www.facebook.com/sundeepmalani

Abhi-ban(galore)yu Times!

2009-07-27T10:17:00.003+05:30

Abhimanyu caught in the Act!

The starcast comprising of Sanjay Suri, Rahul Bose, Radhika Apte, Shernaz Patil and Pooja Gandhi have been photoshot and articled by Bangalore Times.
Director Onirban and his team were in the city shooting for the short film ABHIMANYU. BT got a sneak peek.

A few days ago, director Onirban and his trusted cinematographer Arvind Kannabiran were in the vity, scouting for locations to shoot his short film Abhimanyu. "At 25 minutes run time, Abhimanyu will be shot entirely in Bangalore", Onirban had said then. Though some of the preferred locations didnt work out, the filmmaker was soon back with his cast and crew, filming across the city over five days.
"We first shot at a house in Koramangala for a very important sequence in the film. As the film deals with child abuse, it was imperative that the central character returns to his roots and confronts people about what happened in his childhood. So we had Sanjay Suri, who plays Abhimanyu, come back to his childhood home with a pal (played by Radhika Apte) to speak to his mother (Shernaz Patel) about his childhood," explains Onir.
These events in his formative years make Abhimanyu non committal in relationships, explains Sanjay. "Abhimanyu witnesses several traumatic events in his childhood, even losing people close to him, and that eventually makes his approach ambiguous towards relationships," he elaborates. Hence the significance of the little black kitten in the Koramangala shoot. "The cat is a big symbol in the film, the idea being that Abhimanyu is like a cat who likes attention, but has no concept of loyalty," explains Onir.
As the settings changed between Indiranagar, Kanakapura Road and Brigade Road, director Anurag Kashyap, actor Rahul Bose and Pooja Gandhi joined the action. "I play Jai, a techie from Bangalore and an old pal of Abhimanyu and my scenes in the film are about a chance meeting with a friend and the lingering remnants of attraction between us." says Rahul, whose character also plays a central role in a subsequent short-film to be made - OMAR.

TGIF! - Cafe, Pub & Dance Floor

2009-07-25T11:41:00.003+05:30

The 5th day and the last day of the shoot was a Friday, and it was Cafe, Pub & the Dance floor all the way!
We actually had more fun than the shoot on Friday, as it was all in the open space of the happening place of Bangalore - Brigade Road. Although we started early, the presence of Rahul Bose & Sanjay Suri at the Open Cafe Day, brought in lots of crowd to watch the shoot. But, without any disturbance and co-perative crowd we could manage to complete it on time, as per schedule.
Move on to, Fusion Lounge (Pub & Disc) wherein the Kannada Actress - the Hearthrob of Bangalore - Pooja Gandhi made an appearence to be part of the project. Thanks to Viren Khanna, the event organisor and the party animal, who bought in his group of friends to be part of the shoot.
At the end of the day, we wrapped up the shoot - the Last day with Cafe, Pub & fun at the dance floor!
That brings to the successful end of ABHIMANYU's 5 days shoot! Thank God its Friday!

Sundeep Malani

The Abhimanyu I knew... by Aarambhh M Singh

2009-07-24T17:22:00.004+05:30

It takes not a lot of courage to revisit a tale of horror. Something that Aarambhh had encountered in his friend and the chilling experience of his has lived with him for years. On Facebook Aarambhh recounts his experience... and makes an appeal for Abhimanyu.

You could too like Aarambhh spread the word on your online spaces and send us the link for us to acknowledge here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"No Papa No …" I read the heading in the Times of India almost 15 years ago when I was too young to even understand the difficult vocabulary of the news paper article. I still remember the article had a painted picture of sobbing girl and I began reading it … and with every line it became more and more difficult for me to understand the words like "Molestation", "Rape", "Sexual abuse", etc., which were beyond my limited knowledge about sex at the age of eleven. Before someone could catch me, I hid it in the most unreachable corner of my room.

Years later… at our tenth class farewell, "Amol"(name changed) my best friend was missing from the party. It kept me very uncomfortable throughout, knowing the fact that he was expecting to be wining Mr. Evening title. After the party, I requested Avinash to drop me at Amol's place. Before I could press the doorbell of "Gupta's Residence", I heard a sobbing. I followed the sound only to find Amol behind the car in his father's garage. He hugged me tight and cried.(He was sexually abused by his tenant whom he was quite fond off)…I managed to bring him home somehow. Amol was scared that his father may never believe him. Mr. Gupta had blind faith on that 28 year old decent looking studious tenant rather than Amol. That night while Amol cried and slept, I ransacked my room to find the same article which was beyond my understanding years ago. I realized Amol was also a Victim of a Child Sexual Abuse.

The story never ended with Amol and in India it has become a never ending story. In India typically, parents are very careful about the friends we roam around. Even Amols parents Mr. & Mrs. Gupta enquired every now and then if his friends booze or smoke. They ensured to meet each of his friend with same old question "Beta aap smoke to nahi karte na?" "Beta aap drink to nahi karte na?" They even kept and eye on Amol's elder sister Akansha who turned nineteen the same year if she is loitering around because they were worried she might bring home some unwanted shame. But did they check the growing fondness that the tenant showed towards Amol? (He is a boy what will happen to him!) Did they ever keep an eye on Akansha when she was probably five and was left behind to play at a neighbor's house? (No because then they were not worried of pregnancy).

Another case just added to long pending cases, we read, we know and we try to hush the matters because we are ashamed of accepting the fact that such animals exist in this society. And with due respect to animals, these people are worst than animals, because even animals don't degrade themselves to such category. This is probably an everyday affair in our households where trustworthy people like a close relative, friend, tuition teacher, and servant are doing such a horrendous crime. But the lack of recognition, acceptance and inhibitions; just encourage them more and make the lives of innocent kids, pure hell.

To the point that when I had written this article one year back, the reactions which I got were ranging right from incredulity to criticism. I was told that such topics never deserved to be discussed in public forums. And I wondered at the mentality of people. What if its your own child? What if it happens to somebody whose close and near or dear to you? Would you still shove it under you bed, ignore it and consider it as a hush-hush topic? Most of the times an unaddressed issue , blows out of proportion and becomes a disease.

Today somebody has decided to address the topic in a way it should be. The movie "Abhimanyu" is a step towards the same. Director Onir in his series of short films , prelude with a story of a survivor of Child Sexual Abuse. All he needs is support from people. An unparallel support which would make this commendable dream project successful. So please take a step forward and contribute in the manner you can. A step from you today can make an impact on somebody's life, it can save a child from being abused, it can save our coming generations.

Anticlock Films wants this project to be a completely independent, community endeavor free from studio criteria like star-power and opening weekend sales. This is a movement towards cinema that has content- entertains by way of enriching oneself.

Your support (monetary contributions or otherwise) will help them realize this goal. To that end, they've established three different ways to help:

• Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 – Acknowledgements in the end credits( Treated as donation/pledge)

• Rs 25,000 to Rs 100,000 – Return of your contribution at the time of the final film release and acknowledgement in the end credits

• Rs 100,000 to Rs 15,00,000 – Acknowledgements in the beginning titles as co producers of the film and proportionate share in the profits.

• Rs 1000 to Rs 5000- Students category. Give up one weekend at a night club and support a film with a cause. Acknowledgement on website/ blogs/DVD booklet
http://www.iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/

Cheques to be made for Anticlock films pvt.ltd

And sent to :
181 PARIKH BUNGALOW
FIRST FLOOR
ARAM NAGAR II
J.P.ROAD
MUMBAI 4000 61
INDIA

P.S: Everyone of us can do something to save Abhimanyu's and Amols of our Life ... How we stood for Child Labour, lets stand together against "Child Abuse" and Support the cause.

- Aarambhh M Singh

CATch Me If you can!

2009-07-24T13:36:00.001+05:30

CATch me If you can!

‘Meow.. Meow!’ was what one heard for the entire day of a shoot after a long time. Truly speaking, Cats are not that common found in households in Bangalore. Hardly one gets to see a cat on the road or at some houses. But, thanks to Yasmin and JP who own (I would rather say are more like dotting parents) to a dozen of cats, that we used as much as 5 cats from their side for our film, Abhimanyu.
Cats were of different colors, very soft and also very cute.
I remember Onir saying this to me;

One thing I don’t like are cats. I don’t know how will I shoot with them.

And now, at the end of the shoot that he directed a few cats, all you can hear him saying,

I wish I could have them as my pet. I love cats.

Hmm…! Onir getting very Catty! Lol!!!
Let me add here that, as using an animal in the film we need to have a trained animal. And one Bollywood Cat (Mumbai se) was brought to Bangalore for a shoot. But, that cat was so unfriendly and ferocious that it actually scratched our DOP Arvind Kamnnabiran’s arm. And was not at all co-operative in giving the shot. It was just running from one place to another. The cat trainer, himself could not help us out. The cat was actually making us round around and was giving us the directions; CAT me if you can!
With Onir directing some lovely cats in the film (who make their debute), the 4th day of the shoot went meow.. meow…fully!

Sundeep Malani
www.facebook.com/sundeepmalani

Mom’s Love is so wonderful!

2009-07-23T17:06:00.001+05:30

Mom’s Love is so wonderful!

We have already seen and applauded for her performance as a mother who was so caring for her blind and mute child. I am referring to the talented Shernaz Patil. She played a wonderful mother on screen to Rani in Black.
Now, you will witness her playing mother again to Abhimanyu in Onir’s film that deals with child sex abuse.
Shooting in Bangalore at Shankara Art Foundation, it was indeed pleasure to watch the lady in White, showering her love to her child. Not revealing anything on the sequence, the performance of Shernaz Patil is worth again to stand and applaud.
If we have been saying this; God’s love is so wonderful! Then, with what one will witness Shernaz’s performance – one can say, Mom’s love is so wonderful!With a sequence featuring her and other costars in the film, the 3rd day of the shoot Abhimanyu went of successfully.

Sundeep Malani
www.facebook.com/sundeepmalani

Bojhal Se Lamhon ki Shaam Hai....

2009-07-22T05:09:00.002+05:30

Bojhal Se Lamhon Ki Shaam Hai...
Khali Khali in Ankhon Main..

Yes.. Make sure you practice this lyrics, which will be for sure in everyone's lips soon, when the audio track of the film is out. Its such a melodious number, that gives one a high time.
Onir shot this song on Sanjay Suri at a Bungalow in Bangalore today.
While it was being shot, Onir used to say; MUSIC and it wasn't very clear to hear for the Nagara recordists who was at a distance to start. And I was on to his side to scream, SOUND! and then the song was being played. Listening to the lyrics.. its so mesmerizing that, at times when Onir said CUT.. ... and I wasn't passing on my voice to the recordists to say CUT... Such was the impact of the song!
Well, after the track from My Brother Nikhil (Le Chale.. Le Chale)... all you guys, watch out and wait to hear 'Bojhal Se Lamhon ki Shaam Hai....' which for sure, will be the Song for demand in radios, music channels etc.
With the picturisation of the song and various scenes at Kormangala, Bangalore the shoot for day 2 went successfully.

Sundeep Malani

Contributor Testimonial - Damini and Raaj

2009-07-21T13:10:00.004+05:30

Here's what Damini and Raaj have to say about "how the got to know about Abhimanyu and what made them contribute"

we learnt about the project from the papers... and since we know of Onir and his work we were certain the money would be put to the best use... and its our privilege to be part of a project with a heart and soul... can't think of a better use for our money...

Abhimanyu took off!

2009-07-21T00:25:00.000+05:30

Whats NEW?

Well.. FB friends.. its nothing but ABHIMANEW (Abhimanyu)

Yep.. Finally after a couple of months of wait, today (July 20^th) Onir’s flight I AM took off with the crew Abhimanyu that landed in Bangalore. Perfect Planning, Blocks locked, Settings done a day earlier, Everything was set and then, today Abhimanyu rolled smoothly and successful completed its day 1.

The crew that boarded included Onir, Sanjay Suri, Radhika Apte, Arvind Kannabiran, Mohan Joshi, Amar Kaushik, Akhil Chaudhary, Sundeep Malani, Bal Gopal, Bianca Saldanha, Elton Fernandez, Sujith, Archna Balan, Nikhil, Murli, Govind amongst others. With couple of scenes that got canned today, the film is progressing fine.

Well, I got back home and just relaxed for some time, and went on to my Facebook chat, when a pop up came, Hey Sandy, Whats new? Hmm.. Well.. what else but Abhimanyu…!

Catch ye later with more information and details for tomorrow, until then Meaowww!

Sundeep Malani

Wilson College’s Media Festival Polaris 2009 adopts Abhimanyu

2009-07-20T19:37:00.006+05:30

I was invited on Saturday, 18 July 2009 to judge one of the events at Wilson College’s media festival, the same festival that I had chief guested last year. It was a warm feeling to come back. Sitting in the guest relations room, I thought of sharing with them the idea of college festivals adopting Abhimanyu. The students readily agreed . They screened the "I Am Abhimanyu" movie and gave me an opportunity to speak to the young and energetic audience from different city colleges about Abhimanyu and Child Sexual Abuse.

I don't even know if they are aware of the magnificent change that they would be bringing about to lives of closeted victims who are muted to the joys of life, those who make friends with pain by simply facilitating a dialogue.

Hail Wilson! Hail Wilsonians!

Yours :)
Harish Iyer

Attached is a heart-warming note by Sukruti Staneley (a Mass Media Student) , PR head of Polaris 2009

"In a world filled with a plethora of sadness and misery, there are only a handful of people who manage to step out of their agonising misfortune and turn it into a windfall. Such is the story of a child abuse survivor inspired by the true story of Harish Iyer and his struggle to reclaim his own shattered identity after 11 long years of abuse. This July, the Wilson College BMM Department, spoke to Harish Iyer and not only realized the intense depth of this unexplored issue, but has also adopted the short film – Abhimanyu. We as a team are looking to support this cause in a way that makes a difference and holds no barriers to publicize our stand on this issue with Harish Iyer, the Abhimanyu team and the sponsors from all over the world. Being media students, we have realized the true weight of the role we play in society today and how we can truly stir hearts across the world through a simple act of telling your story through a film. The difference you can make is incredible and it is an honor to be a part of the people who make the difference. We have not only been encouraged to tell others’ stories but have also been urged to come out with our own. Polaris OIX this year stands up to fight for this cause of putting an end to child abuse and also helping those who are shattered by this tribulation to stand up once again, storing and independent. We also encourage the youth all over the country and colleges to join us as we stand for this cause, together we can make a difference. Let us support this effort and take it ahead to accomplish its goal"

Sukruti Staneley
Wilson College, BMM
Polaris OIX – PR Head

Picture of the screening at Wilson College.

You could also get your college/ College Festival to adopt Abhimanyu. You could screen the "I am Abhimanyu" or "Abhimanyu promo" Film and shoot us an email with the photograph clearly showing the screening. Or Just Drop in a comment or write to us at Abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com to know more.

Shooting for Abhimanyu Begins

2009-07-20T01:19:00.009+05:30

When 7 Co-Producers/34 Co -Owners/ 30 Volunteers from 17 Cities across the globe come together for something they truely believe in, MAGIC happens

This is to share with all you lovely people out there, who have been contributing, volunteering, spreading the word for us, talking to us on blogs, facebook, twitter and elsewhere on the web and off it .

We begin the journey of I AM with the shooting of ABHIMANYU tomorrow in Bangalore.

Here's the cast of ABHIMANYU, for the FIRST TIME..

ANURAG

RAHUL BOSE
SANJAY SURI

SHERNAZ

RADHIKA

We'd like to thank everyone of you from bottom of our hearts for your love and support:)

Abhimanyu needs more love from you, stay there and help him in his journey....

Submit details to get Tax Benefit Receipts

2009-07-18T09:04:00.004+05:30

Hi All,

As shared with you earlier all the donations for Abhimanyu in INR can avail tax benefits. In order to get tax benefit receipts for the same please send us the following.

1) Complete Name and Address

2) Pan Number

You can send these details to anticlockfilms AT gmail DOT com.

PS: Tax benefits are only applicable to donations(non-refundable)

Thanks Damini for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-07-17T11:42:00.001+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Mumbai's Damini. Damini's contribution falls in the Rs 1,00,000 - Rs 15,00,000 category.

Thanks a lot Damini for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Ranadeep, Judhajit, Amol, Kiran and Sagar Co-Own Abhimanyu by Making the "I Am Abhimanyu" Video

2009-07-15T20:35:00.010+05:30

Onir and Team Abhimanyu thanks the makers of this video.

While you continue to own abhimanyu by contributing financially, we would like to bring to your notice that you could Co-Own Abhimanyu in different other ways... By making an Appeal Video, by blogging about Abhimanyu or by simply speaking about Abhimanyu and the initiative at different forums.

Are you a student??? You could make announcements about Abhimanyu during your college festival. and ask us for promotional material like this video that you could play in your campus... and thereby get your college festival to own Abhimanyu...

Be sure to send us the pictures taken during the screening/ links of your blogs/ Gatherings which clearly shows the video/activity, So that we can acknowledge the same in our official online spaces.

Abhimanyu could be anybody... Your Child, Your friend or You... Just stand up for him. We Invite you to Co-Own Abhimanyu. Co Own the film.

Contributor Testimonial - Hiyaa Aashish Israni

2009-07-15T20:03:00.004+05:30

Hiyaa on how she got to know about Abhimanyu and what made her contribute

Why I contributed to Abhimanyu...well...the reasons are personal first and then the social cause comes up.

I met Onir at Sanjay's place a couple of years ago. He and Sanjay (who is my cousin) had just completed 'My Brother Nikhil' and we got chatting. I probably now exchange more news with Onir than Sanju though it is mostly online. I have been assisted by Sanjay when I needed assistance really badly (Thank you Sanju, it meant a lot) and he is such a gem of a person. I wish I could do more but I am starting with what I can. They both are making films that do have a reason for being there. I feel both of them are worthy of more recognition than what they get. I am a huge fan of both of these wonderful people and I am so glad to know they are making films that do leave a mark on the audience. It makes me think of them as doing their bit for humanity in their own way.

Why shouldn't I be a part of it? Guys, I am really proud of you both! I hope to contribute to your other ventures too and I hope the amounts get bigger and better. Social issues in India are a hush. Incest, abuse, rapes...these are a few of the things our citizens like to sweep under the carpet and pretend it doesn't exist. It does exist and every 6th person one knows has actually, in his or her own lifetime been through it. Yes...these five films are something I will definitely be a part of...and more projects thereafter. I sure am in !!!

I encourage others to do their bit...every little assistance counts.

You can read testimonials by other contributors at http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/testimonials-by-contributors.html

WHY AFIA ?

2009-07-14T23:05:00.003+05:30

Early this year I bumped into my friend Rima Kohli at Prithivi Theatre, Juhu, Mumbai. It is always fun to meet Rima who I always remember for the wonderful time I had with her in DC and New York. The hours we spent walking around Manhattan discovering the city were full of stories. Rima for me is this amazing energetic girl who is travelling across the world working on various NGO projects. I am always jealous of the kind of work she does and the places she goes to. Currently she is working with women in AFGANISTHAN.

So meeting her for me is always a pleasurable experience as I listen to her stories and imagine myself doing all those amazing thins some day. Meeting her was unexpected. I did not know she was back from New York and currently in Mumbai. After the exclamation of joy and hugs Rima started to talk.... and this time it was another story...

For two hours I was listening to her speech less, I could see a film unfold in front of my eyes. That night I could not sleep. This was a story that was exciting. Next day I called her. I told her I want to make a film inspired from her story and for that I needed to meet her again. I needed more details. She said YES!

Thus AFIA was born. AFIA in Arabic means vigour, vitality, Divine protection and fire.

AFIA is the story of a girl who returns from her training in Switzerland and starts working in the NGO sector. She discovers hugs misappropriation of funds and to her horror discovers everyone around her right to the white boss in Switzerland is connected.

A huge amount of money comes in every year from across the world into this sector. A large chunk of it however never reaches its destination. This film talks about an area that not too many people are aware of but pretty common. This flm asks for accountability.

AFIA will be shot in MUMBAI and DELHI. After “TERE BIN” in “BAS EK PAL” Mithoon and I will once again work together.

COME JOIN US AND BE A PART OF "AFIA"

Pics from Onir's Symbiosis Pune Trip

2009-07-14T11:19:00.001+05:30

Thanks Imtiaz Punjabi for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-07-13T17:06:00.001+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Mumbai's Imtiaz Punjabi. Imtiaz's contribution falls in the Rs 1,00,000 - Rs 15,00,000 category.

Thanks a lot Imtiaz for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Thanks Sitaram Shah for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-07-12T14:16:00.002+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Florida's Sitaram Shah . Sitaram's contribution falls in the Rs 1,00,000 - Rs 15,00,000 category.

Thanks a lot Sitaram for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Thanks Anubhav Ramesh Khandelwal for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-07-11T20:40:00.002+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from California's Anubhav Ramesh Khandelwal . Anubhav's contribution falls in the Rs 1,00,000 - Rs 15,00,000 category.

Thanks a lot Anubhav for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Thanks Deepak Rathi for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-07-08T21:57:00.001+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Deepak Rathi. Deepak's contribution falls in the Rs 1,00,000 - Rs 15,00,000 category.

Thanks a lot Deepak for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Support Abhimanyu by Sponsoring/Co-Sponsoring it

2009-07-08T10:49:00.003+05:30

If you were thinking the only way to contribute to Abhimanyu is by contributing money, then guess what ? It isn't.

Co-owning Abhimanyu by contributing is one of the many ways, others being volunteering to take up a part which isn't being taken by anyone. That's not it, you can also help us during our shooting by sponsoring or part-sponsoring something. Just like Jayant Kumar did.

Jayant Kumar from Bangalore has sponsored food for 25 people at the shoot for two days. We also found a kind person in Abhishek Dhar who has offered us his spare car during the shooting

Yes, these are some of the options in which you can help.

So if you want to support Abhimanyu. You too can do by say

Sponsering food for a unit of 50/( costs about 7500) or loaning your spare car for five days.

We have high hopes from people of Bangalore and would love to see you guys come forward and lend a helping hand

Why OMAR II ?

2009-07-07T21:22:00.003+05:30

2ND JULY 2009 will perhaps remain a landmark day for Human rights activists in India. This is the first time a court as senior as the Delhi High Court has given a decision on homosexuality. A ruling that dismissed Article 377 that criminalised consensual sex between two adults. The Gay community across the country celebrated as they no longer would be considered as criminals because of their identity.

Of course there is noise made from certain religious quarters.... This being against our culture and how this is going to destroy our social fabric and what is going to happen to procreation. I wonder what is it in our culture to keep killing each other for temples and mosques, is it in our culture that children get sexually abused, is it our culture to beat up women having a quiet drink at a pub, it is our culture to unzip and pee all over the country, is it our culture to shit in public.... I feel angry.

Culturally and in different forms of animal and plant life homosexuality has existed from time immemorial. Also the argument about procreation is so stupid. As if the entire heterosexual population is overnight change their sexual preferences because the law is no longer valid!
In this new scenario what’s the significance of OMAR. Omar is a film that incorporates this important historical day in the script. Omar is a story of fear and acceptance and a desire to love freely. Even though homosexuality has been decriminalised, society will not overnight accept Gay men and women with open arms. There are laws against Dowry and Child labour.... we all know the true story.

The change in law will be a positive step towards respect and acceptance.... but it’s a long journey. Omar as a film wants to create a space for discourse and acceptance.
The other day someone commented “The Gay community must be happy”. I told him “ Any civilised human being should be happy”

With this I introduce you the young talented actor who will be OMAR. Saahiel Sehgall.

While The ABHIMANYU team leaves for Bangalore for the shoot on 16th July.... Contribute and become a part of OMAR which we plan to shoot in Mumbai august 2009.

- Onir

Contributor Testimonial - Valentina Erath

2009-07-07T11:24:00.005+05:30

Valentina on how she got to know about Abhimanyu and what made her contribute

Hi,

I read the article about the project "Abhimanyu" in a german Bollywood Magazin called "ISHQ".
Being interested i wrote an enquiry to the said e-mail adress and Onir was so kindly and send me further information about "Abhimanyu".
I never thought that it might be possible for "normal" people to be a contributor and co-owner of such a Bollywood-film. I think the subject of this project is a very sensitive one - also here in Europa/Austria.

There have been several cases like the story of "Natascha Kampusch" and the story of the "Fritzl-Family" which are the worst i have ever heard. So i think "Abhimanyu" should be also be on screens in Austria.

Another case is that i like the films of Bollywood very much because they show all what in Hollywood films is missing. And another case is that the name "Abhimanyu" has been the steppingstone for the career of Shahrukh Khan as he played a character called "Abhimanyu" in the TV-Series "Fauji".
I think you should ask him also to contribute this project (no - not for money but even for a cameo) - i think he didn't know actually about "Abhimanyu". - i furtheron think that he should be involved somehow in "MEGHA" because he often playd with Juhi Chawla in his films and they go well together ("Darr" "One2Ka4" "Paheli" "Ram Jane" "Yes Boss" , ...). - and moreover
Shahrukh Khan is original Pathan !!!

So you can see that there are many reasons to contribute this project.

Liked the post ? Become a fan of Abhimanyu on facebook here

Thanks Shubhradeep and Shruti for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-07-06T22:48:00.003+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Shruti swaroop and Shubhradeep Guha(London). Shruti and Shubhradeep's contribution falls in the Rs 1,00,000 - Rs 15,00,000 category.

Thanks Shubhradeep and Shruti for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Liked the post ? Become a fan of Abhimanyu on facebook here

Connect with Abhimanyu

2009-07-05T10:46:00.002+05:30

Like Abhimanyu ? Want to connect ?

Find us on

Facebook: http://facebook.com/iamabhimanyu
Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamabhimanyu
Blog: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com
YouTube: http://youtube.com/user/iamabhimanyu0

Onir in Symbiosis Pune to present Abhimanyu

2009-07-03T23:54:00.002+05:30

Guys here's your chance to catch up with Onir and get to see some nice short films. Here's the official announcement

Aarohi Film Society, a non commercial organization for the promotion of cinema and talent, was established in June 2007. A registered organization with a member base of more than 500 filmmakers, it is headed by 7 core founding members.

Aarohi Youth Empowerment Campaign "The Showcase"
Aarohi Film Society aims to empower youth through cinema. To generate awareness on the social issues prevailing in our society, we have designed a screening program called 'The Showcase', where short films based on social issues will be screened in colleges, film clubs and schools across India.Thus, striving to make the youth understand their responsibilities towards the society.

Along with the screening of short fims of Aarohi, we will discuss the series of short films to be directed by renowned and critically acclaimed director, Onir. One such film is 'Abhimanyu'.

"Abhimanyu"

Abhimanyu is the story of a child abuse survivor inspired by the true story of Harish Iyer and his struggle to reclaim his own shattered identity after 11 long years of abuse.

In India, one out of every five girls and one out of ten boys face some form of physical or psychological abuse. Sadly, most of these incidents are never reported and innocent victims are forced to suffer in silence. The brave few that do come forward are woefully underserved by a society that prefers to look away and a legal system that doesn’t care.

Aarohi and Onir believe that independent cinema exists to give a voice to those working against the tide and outside the system. ABHIMANYU is one of five short films directed by Onir to tackle important issues ignored by mainstream Indian cinema. The idea is to release each film for educational/awareness/festival purposes and eventually compile all five short films into one release for general audiences.

Students will also get an opportunity to interact with Film Director Onir. At the same time, Onir will also be discussing with students, his new series of short films, the thought behind the entire cause and the opportunity/methodology of becoming a co producer of the film.

Venue: Symbiosis, Pune

1) Viman Nagar Campus

Time : 3:30 pm onwards

2) Knowledge Village, Lavale Campus

Time: 6:30 pm Onwards

Schedule: for both the campus:

Felicitation of Guests.
Introduction of the Chief Guest, Onir and a brief on Onir's series of Shorts.
Brief of Aarohi and ‘The Showcase’- Youth Empowerment Campaign.
Screening of films and interaction with the film makers, if present.
Post Aarohi Screenings, Onir and the series of shorts is reintroduced briefly followed by Abhimanyu AV screening, and Onir Speaks - Details about 'Abhimanyu', the complete series, the AV, the opportunity of becoming a co producer and student Interaction on the overall issue.

Films to be screened:

Name Of The Movie Duration

Ad Films

NACO 39 secs

The Chair 31 secs

Tiger 58 secs

Short Films

Pistuyla 14 mins 57 secs

The Candy Man 10 mins 19 secs

Cheque Of Death 3 mins 15 secs

Kaun Azaad Hua 3 mins 2 secs

Animations

Influenche 4 min, 42 secs

Kya Farkh Padta Hai 5 min, 53 secs

Dolly And Me 50 secs

Fuel And Duel 2 mins, 40 secs

Campus 1 -
Total shorts screenings time - 45 minutes.
Event begins 3:30 pm.
Ends 5:15 pm

We travel to Campus 2 - 5:30pm to 6:15pm

Campus 2 -
Total shorts screenings time - 45 minutes.
Event begins 6:45 pm.
Ends 8:30 pm

Arpan (NGO from Mumbai) joins hands with Abhimanyu

2009-07-03T09:47:00.005+05:30

If you have the belief to choose your road, If you have the courage to stay on it,
If you have the conviction to surmount the rough stretches, If you do.... you will find that the road begins to follow you

read's the email signature of Pooja Taparia, Founder - CEO of Arpan, and seems like the road has truely began to follow. Arpan is a registered organization based in Mumbai with a mission to Prevent the occurrence of Child Sexual Abuse and heal those who have been affected by it.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that after partnering with Tulhir and Enfold, Abhimanyu has now a new partner in Arpan. Arpan since its inception in 2003, has been working towards their goal by undertaking lots of activities including

Spreading Awareness amongst various stakeholders of children; parents, teachers, NGO Professionals and staff to provide them with prevention and intervention skills.
Teaching Personal Safety skills to children in schools so that they can protect themselves from sexual abuse
Healing child victims and adult survivors through counseling and therapy so that they are able to heal and live beyond the trauma of their abuse with the dignity they have a right to
Building practitioner capability to deal with Child Sexual Abuse cases to facilitate better healing of victims and survivors

Here's a nice video by Arpan to bring home their point.

Many Thanks to Arpan for partnering with us and offering support.

Wishes Wall

2009-07-01T18:36:00.000+05:30

Hi Guys,

Thanks a lot for your response for our series of short films, especially Abhimanyu and Omar. We've been constantly receiving your support messages and encouragements both online and offline and to say we are touched would be an understatement. Incase you've missed or you want to pat our backs again, we are starting a wishes wall where you can leave your wishes for the films and the team.

If you have a message for us, drop a comment. Every message counts. Thanks

Enfold Partners with Abhimanyu

2009-06-30T12:04:00.003+05:30

It gives me great pleasure to announce that after partnering with Tulhir, Abhimanyu has now a new partner in Enfold. Enfold Proactive Health Trust, Bangalore since its inception in 2001, has been working with school and college students, parents and teachers to increase awareness about child sexual abuse and empower children and adults to resist and report sexual abuse.

Enfold has promised to help Abhimanyu for raising financial aid and other support.

Many Thanks to Enfold for partnering with us and offering support.

WHY ABHIMANYU? II

2009-06-29T18:30:00.003+05:30

Just returned from Bangalore after having completed the reccee for ABHIMANYU. We were looking at different locations where the images in my mind would finally have to take form. It’s a difficult task at time.... The mind is wild, it’s free to think to imagine and to desire. But then reality bites. I have to reconsider according to the budget, according to convenience in terms of time to travel from one spot to another, money needed to re design something.

Slowly I tame my imagery... careful so that the passion is not tamed.... that cannot be , because that’s the core. So despite the locations not being what my mind’s eye sees, because we cannot afford those.... the mind reshapes the images. And now I am reliving these new images. As I walk around I hum silently “Bhojal se in Lahmon ke Shyam hain.... Khali se in aankhon mein.....” imagining Abhimanyu sing this song rendered by KK and my eyes well with tears. I love this song. Somehow brings memories of “Le Chalein”.

In Bangalore I met Dr. Sangeeta, Enfold(NGO) where i made a startling discovery. My information was that every one out of five girls and every one out of ten boys are sexually abused in India. According to the latest reports The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India, Prayas and UNICEF, 2007 reported that out of 12,447 children (hailing from all strata of society), 53% reported sexual abuse. Out of 12,447 children, 21% reported severe sexual abuse.

Do you realise what we are talking about. This abuse is not necessarily happening from adults. A lot of porn is available to young teenage children who very often abuse their younger sibling/neighbours, etc.

Are we so callous that we do not want to acknowledge this? Don’t we want to protect our child. The other day I was wondering ever since I announced this series of films I had had so much support from all of you, but somehow the industry has been silent. No corporate house/financer has show interest. This perhaps reflects the sad state of our films which believes only in escapist cinema. Child abuse is not entertaining. Child abuse does not make a “project”.

ABHIMANYU is a project that wants to show that we all care. I have had many messages saying that we support the cause and cheers. But maybe it means a little sacrifice. Perhaps one night less at a night club.... not much. But that would be a gesture to say I care.... We care.

Leaving you with a line from the song....

".... Samandar yeh udasi ke.... hamein bheego jate hain....”

- Onir

Donors for Abhimanyu can now avail Tax Rebate

2009-06-28T22:10:00.005+05:30

Yes guys, you've heard it right. All the donors for Abhimanyu in india will get Tax rebate. That's not it the donors from overseas can also avail tax rebate (details differs from country to country and will be explained by NGO thru which the donation is routed).

Isn't it great ? Now you get tax rebate like the one you get for investing in tax saving mutual funds/contributions for some charities, for donating for a film you care about. Another reason to contribute funds for Abhimanyu.

So what are you waiting for ? Join the contributors

PS: All those who've donated can write to us for their Tax benefit letters

Recee Pics

2009-06-28T07:47:00.004+05:30

Here are a couple pics froms Abhimanyu's Recee in Bangalore and in case you don't know it by now, Abhimanyu will be shot in Bangalore from 20th July.

Onir, Sundeep(Asst Dir), Prakash and Arvind(DOP)

Sundeep and Onir

Thanks Mrs Padmavathy Reddy and Ms CG Saraswathi for cotributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-27T13:44:00.004+05:30

We've just received two more contributions for Abhimanyu from Bangalore. One from Mrs Padmavathy Reddy, in Rs 1,00,000 + category and other from Ms. C G Saraswathi for Rs 25,000 - Rs 1,00,000 category. Mrs Padmavathy Reddy and Ms C G Saraswathi are both associated with Tulhir, we recently announced our partnership with Tulhir.

Thanks a lot guys for coming forward and joining hands. Thanks for believing in us.

Check out the updated list of contributors here.

Omar AV

2009-06-27T13:33:00.002+05:30

Here's the AV for Omar, tell us how you find it

Thanks Valentina Erath for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-27T00:02:00.003+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Vienna's Valentina Erath . Valentina's contribution falls in the Rs 5,000 - Rs 25,000 category.

Valentina happens to be the first foreigner to contribute for Abhimanyu. Thanks Valentina for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Tulir partners with Abhimanyu

2009-06-26T00:04:00.004+05:30

It gives us immense pleasure to announce that "Tulir - Centre for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse" has partnered with Anti Clock Films for the production of Abhimanyu. Tulir (meaning "the first tender leaves of a plant" in Tamil) is a registered, nongovernmental, non-profit organization committed to working against child sexual abuse in India. Tulir offers the following programs

Personal Safety Education
Training & Consultancy
Healing & Intervention
Research & Documentation
Resource Development
Advocay & Networking

You can find more about Tulir at http://www.tulir.org/about_us.htm and http://www.childsexualabuseinindia.blogspot.com/

Thanks Winnie Singh for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-25T23:54:00.003+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Winnie Singh(Delhi). Winnie's contribution falls in the Rs 25,000 - Rs 1,00,000 category.

Winnie happens to be the 25th person to contribute for Abhimanyu.Thanks Winnie for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Pics from Music Recording Session

2009-06-23T15:25:00.007+05:30

KK with Amitabh Varma

Sanjay Suri, Onir, KK, Eric and Rajiiv

Rajiiv Bhallla and KK

KK sings for Abhimanyu

Thanks Manish Talwar for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-22T13:36:00.002+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from Geneva's Manish Talwar. Manish's contribution falls in the Rs 5,000 - Rs 25,000 category.

Thanks Manish for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Winnie happens to be the 25th contributor for Abhimanyu. You can checkout the updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

Rajiiv Bhallla joins Abhimanyu Team as Music Director

2009-06-21T11:49:00.003+05:30

Rajiiv Bhallla is the newest member in Abhimanyu Team. Rajiiv will be doing music for Abhimanyu. Here's what he had to say about this development

well before meeting onir....!

ive been into composing n producing jingle's.... albums n background score's etc......!

i grew up with the thing in my mind that i have to get into feature films...as a Music director.

i alwayz wanted to be with people who do....quality ....n real cinema!!!!!!! which onir is a master in.

just 1 fine lucky day....i waz surfing my facebook....n just thought of luking for onir's profile...so dat i could contact him.

and guess.....wat.....???? our man waz der! so i simply wrote him a message saying "m a music composer n i just need 5mins of urz to play u some of my tunes

plzzzzz reply if possible"

the very next day....the great thing happend to me.....Mr.onir replied with a contact number of Amar....! his astnt dir!!!

n asked me to fix up a meeting,n widout delaying i called........followed up as i waz asked!

it was great meeting onir for the first time....i played my work..he liked the stuff..!!!! n said very gently...dat he liked few tracks n he will get back!

after next few meeting's i got a chance to do ABHIMANYU's AV.as i told him any thing would do to start....!

dats how the ABHIMANYU theme was born....!

it has been a great journey while making of ABHIMANYU theme track!

n i really thank....ONIR,SANJAY SURI....n to the whole team for trusting me!

i feel m really lucky to start my first feature film as music director.....with a great team!

i hope that u all will love it! need ur support guyz!

peace,love

Rajiiv bhallla.

Welcome Rajiiv to the Abhimanyu Team

Onir's interview with IBNLive

2009-06-19T22:33:00.001+05:30

Thanks Mahua De for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-19T19:45:00.002+05:30

Just wanted to update you all that we've got another contribution from New Jercy's Mahua De. Mahua's contribution falls in the Rs 5,000 - Rs 25,000 category.

Thanks Mahua for believing in us and coming forward to show support.

Updated list of contributors: http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/category-wise-list-of-contributors-for.html

What about me ?

2009-06-19T13:02:00.006+05:30

The story of a little boy, who goes through hell,
With no memories of when he fell.
Tear in his eye and a fear behind,
Knocked to the ground and pushed around.

Scuffles and muffles for a need to survive
With pain and sorrow left as a desire.
Enough is enough all that he says
Makes up his mind, to dream his desire.

A query for Him and the world around him,
With a wait for his share, of a better fair.
He asks himself and the world around him

What about me?
What about me? - Ganesh Nallari

Some stories are told…and some left untold. To fearlessly tell an untold story needs a lot of courage and determination. Its time to break the silence and speak up to create awareness about child abuse.

After knowing Onir and his sensitivity towards cinema, I am sure all the Abhimanyu’s around us will find a new direction in Life.

It's an honor to be a part of this cause and request everyone to contribute generously for the making of Abhimanyu .

Ganesh is a contributor/co-owner of Abhimanyu and has been an inspiration for Abhimanyu's script. You can find more about Ganesh here

Welcoming Sriram Iyenger and Sujeet Sawant

2009-06-19T12:49:00.003+05:30

Hello All,

We've been joined by Sriram iyengar and Sujeet Sawant as Production Designers. The duo will be handling Production Design for Abhimanyu and Omar. Here's the update crew list

Welcome aboard guys, Cheers !!

Why OMAR ?

2009-06-19T09:35:00.002+05:30

I am back to Mumbai after inaugurating the Kolkatta Annual LGBT film festival( 12th to 14th June 2009). I am overwhelmed by the experience of the last few days. The city and the people are just so warm and amazing and of course the food rocks.

When I decided to come for the LGBT film festival some people told me “you are very brave”. My answer was “I am not going to Afghanistan.(Not that that is something that would have stopped me either!), and why should I be insecure about going to a film festival that celebrates good cinema and love.

The film festival venue was Max Muller Bhavan. A venue that is special for me. I started my journey as a film maker way back in 1990 at this same place. It felt so good to once again see familiar faces. Sit in the same lawn and sip hot coffee over cinema. The charm is the same, the people as loving.

Later at the auditorium I was pleasantly surprised to see it packed. There were people sitting on the stairs and waiting outside to be allowed in. The organisers were already thinking of multiple venues for the next year. I watched young men sitting holding hands, women leaning against each other smiling and not worried about what the world would say. All they desire is the right to love without fear.

That is what brings me to our short film OMAR. Omar is again a film based on real life stories that we got from the research material Vikram Doctor sent us. Its a film that shows how the police misuses their power and blackmails Gay men by using article 377.

Article 377 , a law by which homosexuality is criminalised in India. When I look around myself I see so much hatred. I see divide because of religion, caste, class, colour and gender. And I wonder why anyone should have a problem with two adults expressing their love. After all love is a positive energy, and it does not harm anyone. On the lighter note. Neither do we need to panic about what will happen to procreation and the future of the universe. After all looking at the way the world is going we could do with some population control if we have to save the world.
OMAR is a film about unheard voices. Voices that society refuses to acknowledges. Omar is about the right to love. It’s about the right to freedom and right to self respect.

- Onir

Thanks Hiyaa, Sunil and Saikat for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-16T17:54:00.006+05:30

We've got a bunch of new contributions to share.

We'd like to thank Anon(Chicago), Hiyaa Aashish Israni(Nigeria),Sunil R Nair(Mumbai), Saikat Roy(Bangalore) for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu. All the contributions mentioned above were made in the Rs 5,000 - Rs 25,000 category.

Thanks a lot friends for believing in us and showing your love and support :)

Entries for Name The Film Contest

2009-06-13T20:26:00.006+05:30

The response to the Name The Film Contest has been great. The contest is still running, if you haven't submitted your entry yet, please do so by either dropping a comment below or sending us an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com. The winner gets credited in the film, wins an invite to the movie premier and (if interested) gets to be an intern for three months in Onir's next film. Here's a list of the names that people have suggested so far.

Kaleidoscopes
Immortal
CRY
kramshah
Soch
HIGH FIVE
silent tears
siskiya
pentagon
tears of silence
dark chocolate
sshhhh
whisper
the untiltled
MY FEARRY TALES!
My soul started talking
Soul Dilemma
DANSH
Who Am I?
. (just a dot)
five demises
Kuchh Baatein Ankahee
Black Oleander
Shunyatha
Whispers to Shouts
CHHITEIN
CHAL CHALE MERE SAATH
Guhaar
Alakh
Antarnaad
P A N C H A T A N T R A
chakravyuh
Kuchh Ankahee
Antardhwani
Goonj
TANZ
Prayaas
Kathastu
colors of life
Sannatta
HIDDEN TRUTH
Sawal Paanch?

updated 19th June

ANDEKHEE, ANKAHEE...ANSUNEE
Sitam
REMOTE VOICES
Adhoori Kahaniyan!
Incomplete Stories
Qatra Qatra Awaazein

So which name do you like most ?

Abhimanyu Group on Facebook is now 1,000 member strong

2009-06-12T11:35:00.002+05:30

Hey All,

I am happy to share with you all that the Abhimanyu group on Facebook, which started about a couple months back is 1000 member strong and getting bigger by the day.

If you are on Facebook, you might want to join the group to get latest updates.

Click here to join the Abhimanyu group

Thanks Deep and Aniruddh for contributing and co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-11T12:35:00.004+05:30

We've just received two more cheques for Abhimanyu. One from Deep Basu, a student from Kolkata for the upto Rs 5,000 category and other from Aniruddh from Chicago for Rs 5,000 - Rs25,000 category.

Thanks a lot guys for coming forward and joining hands. Thanks for believing in us.

Check out the updated list of contributors here.

AFIA Poster

2009-06-10T20:51:00.003+05:30

Hi Guys,

We've just got the poster for Afia and here it is.

So how do you find it ?

Meet Onir in Kolkatta

2009-06-08T15:32:00.000+05:30

Onir's current status message on Facebook

IS HAPPY ABOUT GOING TO KOLKATTA FOR TWO DAYS (12TH -14TH JUNE) TO ATTEND The Annual Calcutta Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Film and Video Festival 2009

Yes, Onir will be in "the city of joy" for a 3 day trip to attend the Annual Calcutta LGBT Film and Video Festival and guess what ? He's available and willing to meet his friends and fans(especially the online ones from Facebook, Blog and Twitter). So if you enjoyed any of Onir's works (My Brother Nikhil, Bas Ek Pal, Sorry Bhai) and want to meet the man behind it, here's an exclusive chance to catch up with Onir.

If you are interested in meeting Onir, drop a comment so that we have a tentative idea about the numbers and we can work out the time n place for the meeting. You can also inform us by emailing at abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Thanks Ganesh Nallari and Pawan Dhal for co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-07T13:11:00.000+05:30

Guys,

Join us in Thanking Ganesh Nallari and Pawan Dhal for contributing funds for Abhimanyu.
Pawan Dhal from Kolkatta contributed funds in the upto Rs 5,000 category and Ganesh Nallari from Hyderabad contributed funds in the category Rs 25,000 - Rs 1,00,000.

Check out the updated contributors list here

You too can co-own Abhimanyu by contributing money online(widget on right top)/paypal/sending your cheques for Anticlock films pvt ltd to Bunglow No181, Parikh Bungalow, First Floor,Aaram Nagar II, J.P Road, Andheri west, Mumbai 400061, India.

Akhil Chaudhary joins Abhimanyu Team as Production Assistant

2009-06-06T21:59:00.001+05:30

Guys, we have another addition to our team. Akhil Chaudhary from Mumbai joins the Abhimanyu Team as a Production Assitant. Here's what Akhil had to say about the "why and how" of joining Abhimanyu.

I completed my film course from NewZealand and came back to Mumbai in January. Then in this month only I contacted Onir at Facebook and asked him if there's any work. Very humbly he asked me to mail him my CV. I did that and then suddenly the next day he called me for a meeting. So I came all prepared. Onir told me what is Abhimanyu all about and i immediately requested him to put me on board.

I wanted to learn from Onir and I was excited to join a group who has made some good sensible films. My main motive is to work with a good team and learn the aspects of filmaking. So Onir told me to join the production team and here I am working as an Production assistant. I am thankful to Onir who gave me this chance and I would put in my best efforts to make Abhimanyu a strong film.

You can connect with Akhil on Facebook here

Welcome Akhil to the Abhimanyu Team.

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Shooting to commence in July

2009-06-06T10:17:00.000+05:30

Here's another update for you all.

We are tightening our seat belts and ask you all to do the same as we plan to begin shooting for short films in the first week of July. We are in the process of finalizing the shooting details and charting out the plan of action. While we sort things out at our end to begin shooting you don't wait any further to send in your contributions, as getting the required funds at the earliest will ensure that our schedule goes smoothly and timely as planned.

Thanks once again !!!

Name The Film Contest

2009-06-06T09:56:00.000+05:30

Hello Guys,

We've been thinking for a while about the name of the collective feature film that'll be made of the five short films and then in one of our talks with Onir, he thought of putting the question out in public so that everyone whose following developments with Abhimanyu can use their creativity to come up with a nice name for the collective film. So here we are announcing the one of it's kind

Name the Film Contest:

What you need to do:
All you need to do is to think of a nice name that reflects the overall feel/essence of the film i.e.
"Unspoken Words" or "The Sound of Silence" or anything appropriate to that the films stand for: Untold stories of fear and hope and send it to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com or leave it as a comment here along with your email id.

What you get:
The winner gets credited in the film and invited for the premiere with the actors. That's not it if you are into film making you also get a chance to work on a three month internship on Onir's next project.

So let your creative juices flow and send as a name you think is apt for the collective film.

Terms & Conditions
1) Only entry allowed per person
2) The prize includes just the invite(not other expenses)
3) The internship would be an unpaid one i.e. without any remunerations.
4) All terms and conditions are subject to change

Press

2009-06-05T14:31:00.011+05:30

This post is to share all the mentions of Abhimanyu in press

1) Onir Anirban wants your help with his new film - BollySpice.com

2) You can be a producer too - Times of India

3) I want to make a difference as an artist - Ilovekolkata.in

4) Onir to Expose Nexus Between Male sex Workers and Police - octanentertainment.com

5) Onir's Omar brings to fore the plight of gay men - GlamSham.com

6)Abhimanyu, Omar get nominated for TMG Global Awards - BollywoodHungama.com

7) Onir extends a unique offer, makes audiences shareholders in his next film - BollywoodHungama.com

8) Onir has big plans - RealBollywood.com

9) Onir: I wanted to make a film on child abuse for a long time - Glamsham.com

10) Audience Appreciation - Yahoo News

11) After RGV and Sanjay Gupta, Onir tells his short stories - HindustanTimes.com

12) Funding a movie - Filmmaker Onir tries the Facebook way - Water, No Ice

13) Want to turn Producer ? Invest in Onir's film - Ibnlive.com

14) Want quality cinema ? Pay up - HindustanTimes.com

15) Good deed for the day - TimesofIndia.com

16) Abhimanyu’s coming to town - TimesofIndia.com

17) "Juhi & Purab are acting as well as contributing financially to my film": Onir - Bollywoodhungama.com

18) Abhimanyu in Bengaluru Times

19) Kannada Actress Pooja Gandhi in Abhimanyu - entertainment.in.msn.com

20) Abhimanyu: Reeling the real - passionforcinema.com

21) Social Media Case Study: Abhimanyu - deskaway.com

22) Anurag to play Abuser -DNAIndia

23) Now, a film funded by the people - EconomicTimes

24) I am should entertain you as a film but at the same time make you think - glamsham.com

Thanks Rahul Datta and Nandini for co-owning Abhimanyu

2009-06-05T14:14:00.001+05:30

Update Time:

Guys, just wanted to update you on the recent contributions that we received from Rahul Datta and Nandini. Rahul Datta from Dubai contributed in the Rs 25,000 - Rs 1,00,000 category and Nandini from Texas contributed in the Rs 5,000 - Rs 25,000 category.

Thanks Rahul and Nandini for believing in us

Manan Katohora from US Volunteers to do Overseas PR for Abhimanyu

2009-06-04T11:25:00.000+05:30

Guess what, we have another Overseas Volunteer for Abhimanyu. Yes, in another pleasing development Filmmaker Manan Singh Katohora from US has volunteered to take care of the Overseas PR for the film.

Here's what Manan had to say about what made him volunteer

As a fellow-indie-filmmaker, I am a big fan of Onir's work - every film he has made reflects entertainment and cinematic sensiblities...

This was a perfect chance for me to join hands with 2 visionaries - Onir and Sanjay Suri, and contribute to their story-telling journey...

You can read more about Manan's works here

Thanks Manan for coming forward and joining hands for the project.

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Introducing special contribution category for students

2009-06-03T21:30:00.000+05:30

The story behind Abhimanyu and the concept of co-owning the film seems to have struck a chord with studends. We've been getting a lot of queries from the student community about Abhimanyu and the amount that can be contributed. Keeping in mind the interest shown by students we've added a new category for contributions i.e Rs 1000 - Rs 5000.

The contributions in this category will get credits on our site and other web properties(facebook etc) and will also be a part of the DVD booklet that will be released. So if you are a school or college student what are you waiting for ? Join hands with us in making Abhimanyu by contributing funds in the students category. Also, if you are really keen to have your name appear in the credits of the film you can consider collecting Rs 5000 or more and make the contribution under your group, school, college name For ex: Theatre group, Miranda College or Hindu Cricket Team

Feel free to let us know if you have any queries for us.

Film maker Sundeep Malani from Bangalore Joins Abhimanyu Team

2009-06-02T15:52:00.000+05:30

Guys in another interesting development Film maker Sundeep Malani from Bangalore has joined Abhimanyu Team as a volunteer in the direction team. Here' Sundeep's testimonial

I have watched all the 3 films of Onir. And I have immensly liked them. Onir's films touch to the heart. And I always wanted to be a part of his films. As I am a director myself, I thought of approaching him to be his assistant for his future films. Facebook made me easy. I added him, he accepted my request. And since then (say January this year), I have been pushing myself - requesting Onir to give me a chance to be his assistant. He did respond back to me, asking why do I want to be his assistant as I am a director myself (have directed 3 films till date in South). Well, me being a director has nothing to do with not being someone's assistant. Working with someone whose films I have loved, would be my honour. Onir told me to contact him in May.

I made a visit to Mumbai and approached him again, thats when I got to know that - Onir is planning to make 5 films together. What more can I ask for? I loved the idea of all his short subjects. Having known the thread of Abhimanyu and Omar, I am more than happy to be a part of these subjects, that would be definately viewed in an International Platform and would be appreciated, applauded and rewarded in years to come for sure!

Onir's films are for a cause and many of them are grabbing the opportunity to OWN the film. I am blessed that - I am ONE of the luckiest to be with ONIR.

Sundeep Malani

You can connect with Sundeep on facebook here

Thanks Sundeep for coming forward and joining hands for the project.

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss, drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Mayank Dhingra to do "Online Marketing" for Abhimanyu

2009-06-01T11:56:00.002+05:30

A couple of weeks back we had another addition to the Abhimanyu Team in form of Mayank Dhingra from Delhi. Mayank will be taking care of film's Online Marketing. Here's his testimonial for the same:

I have been in touch with Onir(on facebook and email) since I saw "Sorry Bhai". I loved the film for it's story and depiction of complexities of relationships. Onir was easily approachable and friendly which I really liked.

One fine day while surfing Facebook, I saw some activity about "Abhimanyu" and it immediately caught my attention. I loved the whole concept of co-owning a film and the socially relevant subjects of short stories further convinced me that I should be a part of the project. Being an online marketer I thought offering my services would be the best way to contribute and here I am.

My best wishes to the Abhimanyu Team

Mayank Dhingra blogs about Social Media and Marketing here, you can find out more about his work here . You can connect with Mayank on Facebook here

Thanks Mayank for being a part of the Abhimanyu Team.

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss, drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Sidharth Meer Volunteers to do "Opening and Closing Titles"

2009-05-31T11:27:00.000+05:30

Around the same time that Rajeev volunteered to do "Making of Abhimanyu", Sidharth Meer offered to make the "Opening and Closing Titles" for the film. Here's what Sidharth had to say(as it is) about what made him volunteer

My reasons for working on Abhimanyu are varied.

1. I worked with Onir first on Sorry Bhai. I did the opening and closing titles for that film. It was probably one of the best working relationships I've had with anyone from the indian film industry. Having a chance to work with him again is not something I would want to miss out on.

2. I also happen to be in a transition phase. I recently spent the first 4 months of the year in Los Angeles, working on my motion graphics and visual effects skills with some of the best artists in Hollywood. Currently I am working on a brand new reel and website and this gives me an opportunity to have a good piece to add to it.

3. Not really relevant but my brothers name is Abhimanyu.

Best,

Sid

Thanks a lot Sidharth for lending a helping hand !! You can find more about Sidharth's work here

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss, drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Rajeev Kohli Volunteers to do "Making of Abhimanyu"

2009-05-30T17:47:00.000+05:30

In another nice development "Rajeev Kohli" has volunteered to do "Making of Abhimanyu". Here's what he had to say on being asked "How he got to know about Abhimanyu and what made him volunteer?"

Its all thanks to Facebook where genuine makers, technicians and audiences can interact with each other....

I had always liked Onir's approach towards film making, where in he makes sure to entertain and at the same time deliver a message too...and I found him on facebook....

Thats from where I got to know about ABHIMANYU, and being in this line for almost 17 long years I have experienced myself and seen others too, that if you are out to do some genuine stuff of which you are confident from with in, things tend to become that much more difficult at that required moment.....I have hungered for such support and know the right feelings and emotions attached to it....and CSA is a serious subject which needs attention and should be reminded very often to all....

Hence I gave it a thought and came to a conclusion that, if offering my talent and professional services reduces even a decimal of burden off the makers, it would be of use....

We all make money when the opportunity strikes similarly we all should be able to make ourselves available when the opportunity demands, thats what I think....

I really feel proud for taking such a decision and hope that I live upto what I have taken up.... I shall do it with full faith and dedication, is what I can promise now and always....

All the best to our whole team and new members who join in future....

Cheers!!!!

Rajeev Kohli writes film reviews here, you can know more about his work here . You can connect with Rajeev on facebook here

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss, drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Mumbai - 2 :: Kolkatta - 2

2009-05-29T14:41:00.000+05:30

It wasn't unexpected to be honest. Mumbai being the heart of India's film industry and the place where the Abhimanyu Crew(and Harish) is based at it had to be bigger when it comes to contributing funds for 'Abhimanyu'.

Mumbai' Devashri Mukherjee's contribution has helped Mumbai reach a tie for now with Kolkatta for most contributors from a city. Though we are expecting more funds from both Mumbai and Kolkatta it will be exciting to see which city out of the two takes the lead or is there a surprise in waiting ?

Which city are you betting on to win with most contributors ?

Innocence Lost At 7

2009-05-28T13:46:00.000+05:30

in the lap of joy... (not for long)

A tender child of 7 was touched and his body was infringed upon. And the child didn’t know the word to define his then present condition. As he grew, he called it rape. People said, “correction boy, it’s called child sexual abuse”. With the liberty of language and the plurality that life endows, the vocabulary enriched and the miseries multiplied in direct proportion.

Adjectives changed - “careless” childhood, “callous” adolescence “careful” adulthood and now “thoughtful” 30. But the issue stood the test of time. The issue of the past that was still incomplete. So much so, that all the actions of today were a response to what happened yesterday… The child was angry because of he said he was raped, the child was happy because he said he was not happy like this ever, he said he was scared of men because it was a man who inserted and asserted his manhood on him. it gave peace, tranquil and satisfaction to define nowness basis thenness.

Until one day, the child decided to stop “growing from”, and start “growing into”. He decided first to complete his past. His resolute was to cleanse himself of the hatred and pardon himself foremost and not think he is responsible as “he was”, but whittle his path on what “he will be”. He decided to deal with every issue that bothered him “headstrong”; he spoke to every problem in his life - the man who ripped him off his innocence, the people like his parents whom he thought did zilch, the friends who ran a vilify campaign in school that impelled him to make a botched attempt to end his being, the woman who shut the door on him because she got a flying hearsay that he was a sex maniac … and everyone else whom he had a grouse about, and also the ones whom he presumed had a burly grip of gripe against him… The world watched as he defeated his weakness, shed his inhibitions, dealt with every creature that he once said was an evil ogre… and completed the conversation. In the end, there was no conclusion as such, there was no interpretation… but the yearning in his heart was quenched with this act. He decided then, that he shall not presume things about people and will not trouble himself with the poison called hatred. He then understood that his ability to relate with the pain of others was in fact his strong suite that he was born with. It was his nature, and experience nurtured it. He realized that it doesn’t matter what went in the making of he. He is so, and that’s the truth.He is what he is now. no present and future dooms due to past gloomy looms.

The child is me. The child is Abhimanyu. I am one of the many Abhimanyu's in this world. And I am just one of the many Abhimanyu’s in this story that’s told by Onir. A survivor, A Fighter, not a Victim.

It is much the need of time, for incest as a reality looms in our world today. A film that tells people don’t feel sorry for them. Feel sorry for yourself, for pity is all you have.

As a person who has let past be where it belongs, and has let bygones be bygones… and is now being present in his present I clearly can define what thoughts I had as someone who dealt with the gory incidence of child abuse. It was a time we cried, we died, we failed, we bled, we failed, we wailed, and eventually we hailed, we conquered and we won... But we still weren’t one with the possibility called tomorrow and the reality called now.

Abhimanyu is one such bridge to this gap that throws light on what goes around in a survivors mind. It promises to show fellow survivors a mirror that will help rethink and reengineer their present.

Abhimanyu could be your friend – listen to him and understand.

Abhimanyu could be your brother – share with him and take what he shares.

Abhimanyu could be your husband – tell him you would be there for him, but you want him to be there for himself.

Abhimanyu could be your child - hug him, communicate! Tell him, let’s take action, now. and tell him later.. It doesn’t matter what happened. It just happened. It just happened. And what happened need not be defined. It just happened.

Do you know of an Abhimanyu.

Stand up for him! And help him stand for himself.

OWN ABHIMANYU! Co Own this film.

A film that has a noble intent to make a difference.

About the deal… read the side scroller

Asif Shah from Nepal Joins Abhimanyu

2009-05-28T12:28:00.000+05:30

"Love knows no borders", we are being reminded of this day in and day out. Be it contributing money or be it offering help of sorts, people from all parts of the world are volunteering for the film.

In a wonderful recent development "Asif Shah" a reknown film maker from Nepal has joined the Abhimanyu Team as an AD.

This is our first such big collaboration with someone outside of India and hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more interesting developments in this global collaboration space.

If you too want to volunteer for Abhimanyu or Omar in any way, write to us at abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Facebook Fan Page

2009-05-27T07:59:00.000+05:30

In about a month since it's creation the Abhimanyu Fan Page on Facebook has grown quite fast, amassing 646 fans so far. This is just the beginning and we are sure as time will progress we'll have lots more friends who'll connect with us over Facebook and other places.

Here's what the growth chart for Abhimanyu's Fan Page looks like, isn't it going great ?

If you'd like to help us grow, don't forget to suggest your friends to become fans of this page by clicking on the "Suggest To Friends" link on left side of the page(right below the picture).

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Name Of The Movie	Duration

Ad Films
NACO	39 secs
The Chair	31 secs
Tiger	58 secs

Short Films

Pistuyla	14 mins 57 secs
The Candy Man	10 mins 19 secs
Cheque Of Death	3 mins 15 secs
Kaun Azaad Hua	3 mins 2 secs

Animations

Influenche	4 min, 42 secs
Kya Farkh Padta Hai	5 min, 53 secs
Dolly And Me	50 secs
Fuel And Duel	2 mins, 40 secs