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Ekdum Shot
TYPE: Narrative Short
GENRE: Drama
STATUS: Pre-Production
LOGLINE
A weary nurse reluctantly agrees to pick up her grandfather from a late-night game night, only to find herself drawn into a heated Carrom board showdown that rekindles her cultural roots, tests her patience, and uncovers unexpected family dynamics.
SYNOPSIS
An exhausted nurse, Riya, reluctantly picks up her lively grandfather, Arun, from a heated Carrom game night. Pulled into an intense match, her unexpected skill unsettles the room, sparking tension and simmering rivalries. As the game reaches its breaking point, the night takes an eye-opening turn, revealing more than just a victor.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
This script highlights a very overlooked aspect in all families, that being the generational divide between Grandparent and Grandchild. The Grandparent wants to be able to have that sense of youth as well as try to spend time whenever they can with their grandkids not knowing how much time they have left. The other side of that coin being the Grandchild, trying their best to do everything right, take on responsibility at a moment's notice as they know the importance of taking care of those who took care of them when they were younger. Inspired by my own experiences of family traditions and cultural games, I wanted to explore the intersection of exhaustion and connection—how even in our most drained states, the people we care about can spark joy and remind us of who we are. The Carrom board acts as a microcosm of cultural pride and familial tension, a metaphor for the unspoken struggles and victories of immigrant families. Through Riya’s perspective, we see the weight of caregiving, the quiet power of resilience, and the chance to rediscovering traditions. Visually, the script plays with contrasts: the sterile weariness of Riya’s hospital scrubs against the vibrant chaos of Arun’s Carrom board world; the cold anonymity of the subway platform versus the warm, messy familiarity of the family dynamic. The dialogue dances between English and Hindi, a reflection of the cultural duality that many second-generation immigrants navigate daily. At its core, this is a story about finding joy in connection, honoring your roots, and learning to understand the generational divide and challenge it without losing sight of what makes life worth living.
KEY CREW
Vijay Kamath - Writer/Director
Vijay Kamath, a South Asian American filmmaker born and raised in New York, is dedicated to amplifying South Asian stories and bringing them to the forefront. With a background in pre-medical studies and experience as an EMT, his journey into film studies in college created a unique intersection between expectations and aspirations—offering a distinct perspective on the South Asian American experience. He is passionate about telling gripping stories that explore the first-generation South Asian American experience, challenging cultural norms and stereotypes around identity, tradition, and the pursuit of unconventional dreams.
Rachel Lee - Producer
Rachel Lee (she/her) is a multi-facted mixed-media producer. She graduated NYU with a B.S. in Media, Culture & Communication and minors in Spanish, Producing, and Business of Entertainment, Media & Technology. She currently works with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as an Assistant Company Manager for the Artistic Programming Department, advancing shows in the capacity of Artist Services and Production Management. She also works with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, project managing educational arts programming and youth ensemble competitions. Rachel has also general managed for Off-Broadway theatrical productions, and currently freelance produces for Film/TV from narrative to branded content.
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