Exclusive Conversation with Aryan Singh Rana and Shivam Kakkar on ‘Ghich Pich’

Released on August 8, "Ghich Pich", written and directed by Ankur Singla, promises audiences laughter, emotions, and a deeper connection to relationships. The film stars Nitesh Pandey, Satyajit Sharma, Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, Shivam Kakkar, Aryan Singh Rana, and Kabir Nanda, (Ghich Pich Chandigarh coming of age) who bring the story to life with their powerful performances. Recently, Shivam Kakkar and Aryan Singh Rana spoke with a media house about their experiences. Here are some excerpts from the conversation... (Aryan Singh Rana Ghich Pich)

How were you both selected for "Ghich Pich" ? Was it like a regular audition process or something different?

Aryan Singh Rana: When this film came to me, I was studying Economics at STW Khalsa College. At the same time, I was also active in theatre and used to make short films. One day, I heard about auditions being held for the film right there in our college. I was actually supposed to travel to Mumbai for something else, but that trip got canceled. So I thought—why not give the audition? (Shivam Kakkar Ghich Pich review) That’s when I met Karmaditya Bagga, who wrote the additional screenplay for the film and was also involved in casting. He recommended my name, and that’s how the selection process began. But it wasn’t easy—I went through 8–9 auditions since I had no professional or prior film experience. The auditions were held in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. Many actors auditioned for the role, but perhaps the makers saw something in me that felt right, and finally, I was chosen. (Ghich Pich drama film 2025)

Shivam Kakkar: My selection wasn’t straightforward either—it was the result of seven intense audition rounds and months of effort. Initially, I was given a small script excerpt to audition with. Then one round led to another—first alone, then with Aryan, then with my on-screen brother, (Ghich Pich father son relationships) and later I was even asked to play a completely different character. At one stage, they sat the three final shortlisted actors together just to see how we looked on camera. After the fifth audition, I started wondering—“Is this really an indie film or a mainstream one?”—because such depth of testing is rare.

In the sixth round, we had to perform a car scene that started at 4 pm and went on until 4 am the next morning. And still, there was no confirmation. It was only after the seventh round that I was finally selected, but even then there (Ghich Pich nostalgic Chandigarh setting) were hurdles related to casting and finances. Meanwhile, I was under pressure—if I didn’t perform better, I might be replaced. But the director kept faith in me and gave me another chance. I auditioned again, and this time he was satisfied. That’s how, after three months of persistence, I finally got this project.

The central theme of "Ghich Pich is the father-son relationship. Do you think this bond holds the same depth and importance today as it did in the past?

Aryan Singh Rana: Yes, absolutely. The tension, lack of communication, and emotional distance shown in ‘Ghich Pich’ between a father and son are just as relevant today as they were in the early 2000s. Sure, today’s kids have smartphones, social media, (Ghich Pich Ankur Singla debut) and countless career opportunities, but the father-son relationship, with all its inherent complexities, remains the same. Compared to earlier times, children now seem a bit more vulnerable, and parents are often overly protective—making the generation gap even wider.

The emotions and issues explored in the film—privacy, expectations, authority, belongingness—are universal and timeless. The essence of the film is to understand these relational complexities, encourage conversations, and build empathy.

The story is set in 2001. Which moments or aspects of that time made you feel, “I wish this still existed today”?

Shivam Kakkar: Recreating that era was a huge nostalgic experience for us actors. Things like giving a “missed call,” talking on a landline, or just heading out spontaneously with friends—these little joys have faded in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven life.

There’s a scene in the film where we take our father’s car without permission and go on a trip—that’s something that probably wouldn’t happen so easily now. Also, the mention of VCRs brought back how families used to watch wedding recordings together, something now replaced by digital albums and reels. Back then, showing up early morning for a cricket match without a WhatsApp reminder was normal—today, (Ghich Pich emotional realism film) even with group messages, plans often get canceled.

Earlier, if you wanted to call a friend, you could simply ring their neighbor’s doorbell, and the neighbor’s mother would scold them lovingly as if you were part of the family. That sense of community is missing today. All these little details didn’t just add authenticity on screen but also revived that warmth within us as actors.

This being your first film, you got the chance to share screen space with such experienced actors. What lessons did you take away from the experience?

Aryan Singh Rana: For me, the whole film felt like a film school because everyone around me—even Kabir—was more experienced. My focus wasn’t just on performing but also on learning. I tried to absorb something from each person.

When I was doing scenes with Shivam, I noticed how he could lift a scene and change its tone with just a small gesture. Working with Satyajit Sharma sir, I was amazed at his “switch on, switch off” ability—how he could instantly shift from his real-life personality to a completely different character. That’s the level I aspire to reach someday. And Geeta ma’am—she’s such a phenomenal actress that even without a dialogue, her presence lights up a scene. She’s truly remarkable.

Was there any particular experience on set that deeply taught you about hard work and dedication?

Shivam Kakkar: Yes—during the shoot, Geeta ma’am had a 104-degree fever, yet she arrived on set lying in a car, wrapped her head with a cold compress on a bench, and still gave 8–10 takes until the shot was perfect. That day, I learned that real passion doesn’t care about pain or difficulty. Earlier, I used to take things lightly, but now I approach every project with complete dedication and effort.

Through "glitch Pich", what message do you wish to convey to your audience?

Shivam & Aryan (together): "Ghich Pich" isn’t made with an agenda—it’s made with a sincere intention: to show audiences a heartfelt story filled with laughter, fun, and emotions that will touch their hearts. The film has its share of comedy and light moments, but it also leaves room to reflect on issues like father-son distance, the impact of technology, and the generation gap. Our aim isn’t to preach—it’s to give viewers a relatable experience so they can decide for themselves what they take away from it.

FAQs

1. What is Ghich Pich about?
   Ghich Pich is a coming-of-age drama set in 2001 Chandigarh, focusing on three teenage friends—Anurag (Aryan Singh Rana), Gurpreet (Kabir Nanda), and Gaurav (Shivam Kakkar)—as they navigate family expectations, emotional turmoil, and the transition to adulthood.

2. Who directed Ghich Pich?
   The film marks the directorial debut of Ankur Singla, a former tech entrepreneur turned filmmaker.

3. Who are the lead cast members in the film?
   Aryan Singh Rana plays Anurag, Shivam Kakkar plays Gaurav, and Kabir Nanda plays Gurpreet. Satyajit Sharma and the late Nitesh Pandey portray their fathers, while Geeta Agrawal Sharma plays a key mother figure.

4. How does the film portray Chandigarh?
   Chandigarh is more than a backdrop—it plays the role of a silent character. The film was shot across iconic city landmarks like Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, and the Capitol Complex.

5. What themes does Ghich Pich explore?
   The film delves into father–son dynamics, generational expectations, suppressed emotions, masculinity, and the nostalgia of pre-smartphone adolescence.

6. When was Ghich Pich released in theaters?
   Ghich Pich premiered in Indian cinemas on August 8, 2025.

7. How have critics received the film?
   Reviews have been warmly positive. Filmfare, Times of India, and ABP Live rated it around 3.5/5, praising its emotional depth, authenticity, and nuanced storytelling.

8. What have critics said about the emotional tone and pacing?
   The film's genuine emotional narrative, nostalgic setting, and restrained drama have been widely praised for capturing adolescence without heavy-handed sentiment.

9. Did Ghich Pich premiere at any film festivals?
   Yes—it premiered at the Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF), where it earned high acclaim and strong audience ratings.

10. What do viewers say about the film’s authenticity?
    Early audience reviews describe Ghich Pich as a “quiet masterpiece” and a heartfelt, relatable portrayal of teenage dynamics and family emotion.

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