"Ek Wajah" Makes Its Mark: An Indian Short Film's Journey to Chicago's Prestigious South Asian Film Festival
- Kenneth Hopkins
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
The Indian short film "Ek Wajah" continues its remarkable festival journey with its official selection at the prestigious Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF), marking its third festival selection in the United States this month.
The film will be screened on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at AMC River East 21 (322 East Illinois Street, Chicago), as part of Block 22 .
The Story Behind "Ek Wajah"
Directed by Sushank Verma and written by Aditya Singh, "Ek Wajah" tells the poignant tale of two lovers who find themselves on opposite sides of a societal divide in a city gripped by communal tensions.
The film explores what happens when their paths cross again amidst the chaos of a raging riot, delving deep into themes of love, sacrifice, identity, and the impact of societal divisions .
The concept dates back to 2016, when Verma was deeply disturbed by rising hatred among communities. The story formed around one haunting question:
“What if two people who are separated go back and meet at the backdrop of a riot happening in their city?”
Star-Studded Cast
The short film boasts a power-packed ensemble cast:
Mona Singh – Acclaimed actress known for Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) and iconic television roles
Vikas Kumar – Widely recognized for CID as Senior Inspector Rajat and Netflix’s Kaala Paani
Rrama Sharma – Rising actress, seen in Medical Dreams (2025)
Siddhant Raj Tripathi – Noted for Crushed (2022)
The casting was led by Ram Rawat, Vasu Soni, and Shubham Gupta, ensuring authentic and heartfelt performances .
The Creative Team
Director & Co-Producer: Sushank Verma, with over 14 years of experience in TV and branded content. He is also Co-Founder of Once Upon A Time Media LLP and has delivered 500+ videos, commercials, and shows for platforms like MTV, Jio Studios, Sony Liv, and more .
Writer, Cinematographer & Co-Producer: Aditya Singh, a multi-talented filmmaker skilled in screenplay writing and cinematography .
Together, Verma and Singh brought their vision to life, balancing sensitivity with cinematic impact.
Production Details and Technical Excellence
The film was shot in December 2023 after months of meticulous planning.
Key Crew Members:
Music: Joell-Chinmayi
Production Designer: Vishal Verma
Costume Designer: Sachin Lovalekar
Grading: Manoj Singh
GFX: Pranav Raje
Line Producer: Kiran
With an estimated budget of ₹5.5 crore (₹5,500,000), the short film represents a major investment in independent Indian cinema .
Festival Circuit Success
"Ek Wajah" has been steadily gaining momentum on the international festival circuit.
Previous Selections:
Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) 2024 – Competition section for Indian Short Films
Bengaluru International Short Film Festival – National Competition section
Aravali International Film Festival – Official finalist
DC South Asian Film Festival – Official selection
Boston South Asian Short Film Festival – Official selection
Awards and Recognition:
The film has already earned critical acclaim and positioned itself as a significant contribution to Indian cinema addressing social issues .
Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF)
The Chicago South Asian Film Festival is among the largest and most prestigious South Asian film festivals in the US.
Now in its 16th year (2025 edition runs from September 14th & 18th–21st)
Showcases films from across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
Hosts the South Asian Films in America (SAFA) Awards to honor artistic excellence
The festival has previously featured celebrated names like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rajat Kapoor.
Themes and Social Relevance
At its heart, "Ek Wajah" is about love fighting against hate.
The film explores:
Communal divides and their impact on individuals
Love beyond societal barriers
The power of human connection during chaos
Director Sushank Verma emphasizes that the film is a message of unity and hope, reminding audiences that even amidst the harshest realities, human connection can prevail.
International Recognition and Future Prospects
The Chicago screening is a milestone moment — exposing the film to critics, distributors, and global audiences.
The film’s trajectory from a concept in 2016 to international recognition in 2025 is a testimony to the persistence of independent filmmakers .
With its universal themes, "Ek Wajah" shows the global appetite for meaningful Indian cinema.
The Team’s Vision
Both Sushank Verma and Aditya Singh credit their success to the hard work and dedication of the entire cast and crew.
Their collaborative effort has resulted in a film that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates universally.
"Ek Wajah" is not just a film — it’s a movement of Indian indie cinema finding its global voice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When and where will Ek Wajah screen at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival?
It will screen on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM, at AMC River East 21, Chicago, under Block 22.
2. Who directed and wrote Ek Wajah?
The film is directed by Sushank Verma and written by Aditya Singh, who also worked as cinematographer and co-producer.
3. Which actors star in the film?
The cast includes Mona Singh, Vikas Kumar, Rrama Sharma, and Siddhant Raj Tripathi, supported by a strong casting and production team.
4. What themes does the film explore?
The film focuses on communal tensions, love, sacrifice, and identity, highlighting how love can survive amidst social and political divides.
5. Which festivals has the film been selected for?
Besides CSAFF, it has been part of KIFF, Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, Aravali Film Festival, DC South Asian Film Festival, and Boston South Asian Short Film Festival.
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