Filmmaker Bhim Sen’s Grandson 22 Year Old Kabeer Khurana To Display His Seventh Short Film ‘The Hangout’ On Disney Hotstar Tomorrow

Jyothi Venkatesh

In a post-Corona age, the entertainment industry, just like every other field, is evolving, trying to find new platforms, new genres, and new ways of storytelling. To transition seamlessly into this new ‘normal’, what is needed more than ever before is compassion and human connection and The Hangout is a gentle ode of these human values. It has never been more important than now--when we are socially-distanced and home-bound--to tell new, unifying stories about the impact of lockdown on our lives. Kabeer, who is the son of Kireet Khurana, who had directed Toonpur Ka Super Hero, T for Taj Mahal etc, has earlier directed six more short films like Project Oneness, ISM, Strings, Religion For Dummies, Karma Café and Dali. And believe it or not, Kabeer is just 22 year old.

Starring Anisa Butt as the empathetic do-gooder Alia (of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani acclaim) and Arjan Singh Aujla as the burnt-out musician Romi (from My Name Is Khan), the short film is a heart-warming reminder that two people, physically worlds apart, can find emotional closeness and bonding through good conversation and honesty. Emotionally rich, with moving, sharp writing and infectious hope, the film breathes life and meaning into the lives of the protagonists, who go on to make a difference.

Directed by five-time international award-winning director, Kabeer Khurana, the film has Rohan Parikh, a storyteller in his own right, on board as the creative producer, and has been produced by Exposition Pictures, an up-and-coming production house. Simran Lakhanpal, Rohan Parikh and Ramneek Sawhney, the brains behind the concept and the producer of the film says, “The Hangout is a personal journey of conflict between thought and action, an opening towards living your dreams and reaching out during lockdown. But more importantly, it’s about finding yourself.”

The lead actress Anisa Butt says: “This little gem of a script came my way, and in a short amount of screen time, Kabeer managed to capture how the lockdown has affected different people differently. There is a beautiful element of hope at the end for both characters. I think Alia, the character, pays tribute to the way a lot of people are currently feeling in India. The script deals with identity in the current climate, our response to uncertainty but also love, hope and bonding.”

The Hangout’s co producer, Ramneek Sawhney says, “Life’s pace and strain stop many from finding their true calling. The stillness of the lockdown has changed that. Distance has improved relationships, life is seeing new meaning.” Emiliano Mazzenga, the music composer for the film, says, “It was easy to put myself in Romi’s shoes to write the music for The Hangout. I think every artist has had to deal with the lack of motivation during COVID-19, yet we’re striving to find a way forward to continue to be inspired and positive.”

Catch up with the short film The Hangout tomorrow on Wednesday September 23 on Disney + Hotstar Premium.

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