Raju Hirani is known for making entertaining and socially relevant films such as Munnabhai MBBS and 3 Idiots . So it comes as no surprise that his young son Vir who is only 14-years-old has made his directorial debut with Return Gift which is in the Little Directors' category at the 18th International Children's Film Festival of India.
The Little Directors's category is an In-Competition category which features films made by children between the ages of six and sixteen. There are eleven other films in the same category.
Vir has made this short film along with his class and batch mates namely Gia Arora, Jashan Arora, Aviral Shukla and Arman Talkar. The children aged between 14 and 16 have taken charge of Stills, Location Scouting, Production, and Assistant Direction. Vir is the director, photographer, and editor of the movie.
Vir says, "Return Gift is inspired by a true story which depicts by grandmother's wisdom. My granny had narrated this incident to me and I vouched to portray it in the form of a film. The Golden Elephant has further encouraged me to make this sooner and better than planned."
He further adds, "The only involvement of adults consisted of the cast. Children managed all the other arrangements including editing, photography, production, cinematography, location hunting, etc."
Vir explains the story of the movie. He says "Return Gift revolves around a mother, her son and their maid who tend to their beloved garden. The son loves doing Yoga and the mother loves her garden. Then an irritating neighbour comes along on the first floor who dumps her trash on the garden. The maid and son respond with rage much to the chagrin of the mother who responds with an unusual gift to the neighbour. Sometimes, silence speaks the loudest. That is what the film is about."
Raju Hirani will be attending the screening of the movie at the festival as this is a proud moment for him. For a change, he will be known as Vir Hirani's father.
Amole Gupte, Chairman, CFSI, says, "We are happy to have Vir Hirani participate and compete in the festival. It is a proud moment for us."
Dr. Shravan Kumar, CEO and Festival Director, CFSI, says, "It is encouraging and heartening to have a variety of movies made by children competing in the Little Directors category. I wish everyone the very best,"