32-YO From Kerala Takes Malayalam Short Film Made for College Project All the Way to the Student Oscars

In a remarkable testament to the power of storytelling, a short film born from a student project in the serene landscapes of Kerala has transcended geographical boundaries to capture international acclaim. "Vasu," a poignant Malayalam drama by filmmaker Sidharth Harikumar, has been officially recognized as a finalist at the prestigious 2025 Student Academy Awards. Often heralded as the "Student Oscars," this platform represents one of the most significant launching pads for emerging cinematic talent worldwide, making Harikumar's achievement nothing short of extraordinary.

From Kerala's Shores to Berlin's Cinematic Hub: An Unexpected Journey

Sidharth Harikumar embarked on his filmmaking journey from his native Kerala, venturing to Berlin to hone his craft in cinematography at the esteemed MetFilm School. Little did he anticipate that his final project would resonate so deeply on a global stage. The news of "Vasu" being shortlisted for the Student Academy Awards arrived as a "truly surreal" moment for Sidharth, a sentiment he vividly recalls. "You don't expect an email from the Academy to land in your inbox at midnight. When it did, it took a moment to process," he shared, reflecting on the profound surprise and honor.

The scale of this accomplishment is underscored by the sheer volume of competition. Out of an astounding 3,127 entries submitted by aspiring student filmmakers from every corner of the globe, only 28 short films managed to secure a finalist position. "Vasu," a compelling 16-minute narrative drama, stands proudly among this elite selection, competing in the highly competitive Narrative category. This recognition not only shines a spotlight on Sidharth's talent but also brings Malayalam cinema and the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala to an international audience.

"Vasu": A Deep Dive into the Human Psyche and Unspoken Guilt

At its heart, "Vasu" is a deeply introspective film, meticulously crafted to explore the complex emotional aftermath of moral compromise. Set against the tranquil backdrop of a peaceful Kerala village, the narrative follows a retired police constable living in profound self-imposed isolation. His solitude is not a choice of peace but a consequence of a haunting past: a crime committed under the direct orders of his superior. This singular act of obedience, carried out under hierarchical pressure, has left him battling an relentless tide of guilt and remorse.

The film masterfully portrays Vasu's daily existence, characterized by near-silence and a relentless internal struggle. He is caught in a perpetual loop between his deep-seated remorse and the mundane routines of his solitary life, until the weight of his secret becomes unbearable, pushing him towards the arduous path of confession. Sidharth deliberately infused the film with a metaphorical calm that belies an emotional tempest raging within its protagonist. "The stillness of the surroundings only amplifies the disquiet within Vasu," he explains. "I wanted to explore the emotional aftermath of morally conflicting duties, especially those carried out under hierarchical pressure." This artistic choice creates a powerful contrast, drawing the viewer into Vasu's internal world with palpable intensity.

Echoes of History: Germany's Influence on a Kerala Story

Interestingly, the conceptual framework for "Vasu" was profoundly shaped by Sidharth's experiences in Berlin. Living in Germany, he found himself constantly confronted by the nation's unique approach to memorializing the Holocaust. "Being in Germany, you cannot escape the weight of the Holocaust. In Berlin, grief is remembered through silence, not spectacle," he observed. This profound understanding of how societies carry and process collective memory, particularly through dignified silence, became the emotional backbone of "Vasu." In the film, silence serves a dual purpose: it acts both as a form of self-imposed punishment for Vasu and as a desperate coping mechanism for survival.

A Film Rooted in Empathy and Mental Health Awareness

As Sidharth developed the story, he began to draw unexpected parallels between the unspoken grief he witnessed in India and the collective memory he observed in Germany. This connection led him to explore a critical, often overlooked, aspect of Indian society: mental health. "In India, we are not conditioned to talk about mental health. Most of the time, people don't even realise that what they are carrying is trauma," he states, highlighting a widespread societal challenge.

Through Vasu's character, Sidharth chose to examine this pervasive silence from a unique vantage point—that of a man unknowingly suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), who, instead of seeking help, punishes himself. Associate director Mahesh Krishna further elaborates on Vasu's plight: "He's made himself the judge, jury, and executioner. He's not aware that he has a mental health problem — he has just accepted the fact that this is the way he is." This portrayal resonates deeply, reflecting a reality for countless individuals who internalize their struggles due to a lack of awareness or societal stigma.

The Privilege of Healing: Bridging the Mental Health Gap

Mahesh Krishna points to popular Indian films like "Dear Zindagi" and "Sardar Udham" to illustrate a crucial societal divide. While these films have commendably brought mental health conversations into the mainstream, they often depict characters who have the resources and awareness to seek professional help. "There is a certain privilege associated with going to therapists or even knowing how to seek help. Most Indians don't have that privilege," Mahesh explains. This disparity means that many individuals are left to grapple with their mental health challenges in isolation.

Without access to professional support or even the vocabulary to articulate their pain, many resort to coping mechanisms rooted in religion, family, or, tragically, none at all. This often manifests in "toxic traits," as Mahesh notes. "In Vasu, that's what happens. It's the story of a man who lives with that silence." The film thus becomes a powerful, empathetic lens through which to view the silent battles fought by many in a society where mental health remains a largely taboo subject, particularly among older generations who were conditioned to suppress emotional pain.

The Art of Indie Filmmaking: Passion, Perseverance, and a Shared Vision

"Vasu" is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, brought to life by a small, dedicated crew operating with limited resources but boundless passion. Shot over just a few days, the film's production was a collaborative endeavor, fueled by a clear vision and unwavering belief in the story's importance. Sidharth Harikumar not only directed and wrote the film but also took on the crucial role of cinematographer, ensuring his artistic vision was meticulously translated onto the screen. Mahesh Krishna, as associate director, played a pivotal role in coordinating the shoot, keeping everything on schedule amidst the inherent challenges of indie production.

"It was a very small indie guerrilla-style crew," Mahesh recalls. "We had to do different jobs at different times. I was helping him choreograph scenes, manage people, move lights — everything. But everyone worked together to execute his vision." This hands-on, multi-tasking approach is characteristic of independent cinema, where every team member wears multiple hats to bring a project to fruition. The commitment extended beyond sweat equity; Sidharth financed the entire film through his personal savings, redirecting funds he had initially set aside for living expenses in Berlin. "It was a risk, but I believed in what I wanted to say through the film," he affirms, underscoring the profound personal investment in "Vasu."

A Family Affair: Collaboration and Overcoming Challenges

The journey of "Vasu" was also a deeply personal one for Nandana Ajith, Sidharth's wife and the film's executive producer. Her involvement began from the earliest stages, brainstorming script changes and creative directions. During the intense three-day shoot, Nandana was instrumental in coordinating locations, managing the crew, overseeing expenses, and ensuring the smooth flow of production. "We had a lot of weather complications during the day, but thankfully everything came together well," she recounts, highlighting the unpredictable nature of filmmaking in Kerala.

The team faced numerous hurdles, including tight budgets, the notoriously unpredictable Kerala weather, and the complexities of securing government approvals for locations. Yet, through sheer determination and a shared commitment, they persevered. Nandana fondly remembers how even the rain, initially a challenge, ultimately enhanced the cinematography of certain scenes, proving that creativity often thrives in adversity. For her, the film's theme held both intimate and universal resonance. "The psychological aspect of the older generation is something nobody talks about," she notes. "Now, everybody is aware of depression and PTSD, but mostly for the current generation. There's a bigger issue among the older generation — the workers, nurses, policemen, duty officers — people who were conditioned to never speak of pain. That's what Vasu looks at."

Bringing Vasu to Life: The Power of Performance

The emotional core of "Vasu" is anchored by the deeply internal performance of Parameshan Kuryati, a seasoned theatre artist who embodies the titular role. Sidharth's choice to cast Kuryati was an instinctive one, stemming from a shared understanding of the character's profound emotional depth. Despite "Vasu" being a short film, Sidharth approached its production with the meticulous rigor typically reserved for feature-length projects. Nandana reveals, "He did multiple workshops with Parameshan. Sidharth wanted to make sure the essence of Vasu was portrayed exactly as he envisioned, because every person perceives a particular character differently." This dedication to character development ensured that Kuryati's portrayal was nuanced, authentic, and truly captivating.

Stories That Travel Beyond Screens: Global Recognition and Future Impact

What began as a modest student project in the verdant landscapes of Kerala has now journeyed far beyond anyone's initial expectations. "Vasu" is finding its audience across the world, serving as a powerful reminder that stories about mental health do not need to be loud to be heard; sometimes, their quiet intensity is their greatest strength. The film's journey to the Student Academy Awards was particularly noteworthy as Sidharth submitted it independently. Initially, MetFilm School did not support the entry, believing the chances of selection were slim. However, the outcome proved them wrong.

"Later, they were thrilled to see both my name and MetFilm School Berlin among the finalists," Sidharth proudly states. This recognition marked a significant milestone for the institution, as it was the school's first-ever nomination at the Student Academy Awards. Following its prestigious recognition, "Vasu" has also successfully secured a distributor, signaling the next exciting stage in its journey towards wider public viewership. This development is crucial for an independent film, ensuring that its vital message reaches a broader audience.

Sidharth Harikumar's experience in Berlin, observing how societies carry memory "with dignity, without denial," profoundly influenced his artistic vision. He reflects on this connection, noting, "In India, we're still learning to do that — to sit with grief instead of silencing it." In the delicate space between remembrance and release, "Vasu" found not just its unique cinematic voice but also its profound purpose: to remind us all that the journey towards healing truly begins the moment we choose to listen, to acknowledge, and to speak about the unspoken burdens we carry.