
"Ab Rab Havale - An untold story of a known irony"
The year is 1947 and one nation is being torn to give birth to another. This is the time when India and Pakistan became two entities. Millions of lives were lost, children orphaned and families ripped apart. This is the story of one such family on that fateful night.
Directed by Ritika Bajaj Vijra, 'Ab Rab Havale' is an emotional short film. It focuses on the tale of one family caught in the middle of world-changing events, the decision they to have make and the consequences they have to live with. The film stars some of the most versatile names from Bollywood and includes veteran Farida Jalal, actors such as Annup Sonii, Shilpa Saklani Agnihotri, Inaamulhaq and debutant Pooja Joshi. Superstar vocalists Sonu Nigam and Mahalaxmi Iyer also lend their voice to the film in the song 'Yeh Badnaseebiya Meri' composed by Ritesh Nalini.
Already a recipient of multiple accolades, the film has won hearts the world over. Some of these include Best Film – Jury, Best Actress and Best Music at the fifth Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival and many more. Currently, the film is taking the internet by storm and has crossed more than one lakh views in just 24 hours.
Speaking on the film, Ritika says, "Growing up, my grandfather always narrated the tragic stories of partition. I was very overwhelmed with those stories and I wanted the world to know that more than the mass-migration, it was separation of hearts. From being a mere bedtime story to finally reaching the Cannes Short Film Corner, I somewhere feel that journey of this story is complete."
Manish Kumar, Founder and CEO of Digi Osmosis, the digital partner, had this to say “Digital is all about short, gripping content and that is why Digi Osmosis has partnered with Indianstorytellers to market this film. Not only is this short film an award winner but it has also released around a significant day – Gandhi Jayanti and takes place in a significant moment in Indian history. An old tale told and distributed through the most modern means available – digital.”
Relations between the two countries has never really healed. Even to this day, thousands of lives and families are affected. Be it terror attacks or surgical strikes, it is a time when no one wins and more untold stories are created. A heart-wrenching tale of loss, it is a film that is not to be missed.