The 9th National Short Film Competition, organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Delhi, under the auspices of the Government of India, has declared the Marathi short film Rahas as the national winner. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the team behind Rahas led by Girish Yashwant Gavali from Agnipankh Productions, with screenplay and direction by Rashid Nimbalkar.
Out of 139 short films submitted nationwide, Rahas stood out as Maharashtra’s sole representative, clinching the prestigious national award.
In modern India, certain customs and traditions persist in some communities, often due to societal pressures and age-old practices. While the world moves forward, some societies cling to traditional arts, living in the shadow of bygone eras. In this context, Rahas resonates deeply, prompting introspection and contemplation.
Prior to this recognition, Rashid Nimbalkar was honored with the Best Film Jury Award for the film Irgaal at the 12th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival. The accolade was bestowed upon Irgaal out of 718 films screened at the festival, highlighting its poignant commentary on marginalized communities in Maharashtra.
The cast and crew of Rahas include Parmeshwar Jadhav, Usha Nimbalkar, and Didi Nimbalkar, among others. Rashid Nimbalkar’s vision as a cinematographer and the collaborative efforts of Damodar Pawar and Abhi Shinde have contributed to the film’s success.