An Ode to Enduring Love: ‘Thursday Special,’ Backed by Shoojit Sircar and Vikramaditya Motwane, Captures the Soulful Rhythms of a Life Shared
In a powerful confluence of cinematic vision, two of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed filmmakers, Shoojit Sircar and Vikramaditya Motwane, have lent their formidable support to “Thursday Special,” a deeply moving short film from National Award-winning director Varun Tandon. This endorsement not only elevates the film’s profile but also signals a collective appreciation for storytelling that delves into the profound beauty of everyday existence and the often-overlooked narratives of long-term relationships. Tandon’s intimate drama has already garnered significant international acclaim, resonating with audiences and critics alike for its tender exploration of love, companionship, and the gentle march of time.
At its heart, “Thursday Special” is a cinematic poem dedicated to the quiet strength and enduring bond of an elderly married couple, Ram and Shakuntala, portrayed with exquisite authenticity by Anubha Fatehpuria and Ramakanth Dayama. Their world, rich with shared history and unspoken understanding, revolves around a simple yet profound weekly ritual: their mutual passion for food, culminating in a cherished Thursday tradition. This seemingly small detail becomes the anchor for a narrative that beautifully unpacks the intricate layers of a relationship nurtured over decades, revealing how routine can transform into ritual, and how shared meals can become metaphors for a life woven together. The film serves as a poignant reminder that the grandest narratives of love often unfold not in dramatic gestures, but in the consistent, tender rhythms of daily life.
The film’s sensitive portrayal of human connection has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Most recently, “Thursday Special” achieved the distinguished Most Poetic Film Award at the Küstendorf Film Festival 2025 in Serbia, a truly significant accolade personally bestowed by the legendary director Emir Kusturica. Kusturica, known for his distinctive, often surrealist, and deeply humanistic films, selecting “Thursday Special” underscores its profound artistic merit and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries through universal themes. This recognition from such an iconic figure speaks volumes about the film’s capacity to touch the soul and evoke a sense of timeless beauty, cementing its place among internationally recognized cinematic works.
Behind the lens, Varun Tandon not only directed this gem but also co-penned the script alongside co-writer and executive producer Krati Tandon. The production was skillfully managed by Karan Luthra, ensuring that Tandon’s vision was brought to screen with meticulous care and artistic integrity. This collaborative effort has resulted in a film that feels both personal and universal, a testament to the power of a dedicated team bringing a heartfelt story to life.
Shoojit Sircar, a director celebrated for his distinctive narrative style that often blends slice-of-life realism with deep emotional resonance, found a particular kinship with “Thursday Special.” Sircar’s filmography, which includes critically acclaimed and commercially successful ventures like “Piku,” “Vicky Donor,” and “October,” is characterized by its focus on ordinary people navigating extraordinary emotions. His films frequently explore family dynamics, human vulnerabilities, and the bittersweet aspects of life with a gentle, understated touch, making his endorsement of Tandon’s work particularly meaningful.
Sircar expressed profound admiration for the short film’s elegant simplicity. “Thursday Special really moved me with its simplicity and gentle storytelling,” he remarked, highlighting the film’s unpretentious approach that allows its emotional core to shine through. He drew a compelling parallel between Tandon’s work and his own unreleased feature, “Shoe Bite,” which starred the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. “Varun’s nuanced portrayal of companionship, ageing, and love is heartfelt and mature. It’s a delicately handled take on marriage and middle-age relationships – especially impressive for a young filmmaker – and it reminded me, in a way, of my unreleased film Shoe Bite,” Sircar elaborated.
The comparison to “Shoe Bite” is particularly insightful. “Shoe Bite,” a film about an elderly man rediscovering life, faced unfortunate distribution hurdles, preventing it from reaching a wider audience despite its powerful theme and Bachchan’s performance. Sircar’s acknowledgment of the thematic echoes in “Thursday Special” speaks to the universal resonance of stories about aging and the complexities of later life. His praise for Tandon extends beyond just the film’s content; he noted, “The storytelling in ‘Thursday Special’ is clear and sincere, with every department serving the story. Knowing that Varun has made over 15 short films highlighted his passion and dedication, and I felt both he and the film deserved support.” This commendation from a veteran filmmaker not only validates Tandon’s talent but also underscores the importance of nurturing new voices in cinema, especially those committed to telling stories with such sincerity and depth.
Adding another layer of significant endorsement, Vikramaditya Motwane, a filmmaker revered for his bold, boundary-pushing contributions to contemporary Indian cinema, also championed “Thursday Special.” Motwane’s filmography, which includes seminal works like “Udaan,” “Lootera,” and the groundbreaking series “Sacred Games,” showcases a versatility and willingness to tackle diverse genres and complex human experiences. His films often challenge conventional narratives, pushing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and explore the multifaceted nature of reality.
Motwane articulated a powerful reason for his admiration: the film’s dedicated focus on narratives that are often overlooked in mainstream cinema. “When I watched ‘Thursday Special’, I was struck by the fact that though all the stories we tell are human stories, we tend to forget that there are so many other stories out there in the mundane, and in the lives of people who you would not expect to have unique stories,” he stated. This observation speaks to a crucial aspect of storytelling: the democratizing power of art to find profundity in the ordinary. In a world often captivated by the sensational, “Thursday Special” champions the quiet heroism and unique narratives embedded in everyday lives, particularly those of older individuals whose rich experiences often remain unseen.
Motwane’s enthusiasm was palpable. “I really enjoyed the film. I think people should see it, and they will like it. It’s a film that you can talk about and discuss and not just from an aesthetic perspective. While it’s beautifully directed and performed, it is truly special in terms of pure story, pure feeling,” he added. This distinction between aesthetic beauty and the raw power of “pure story, pure feeling” is a testament to the film’s ability to transcend mere technical prowess and connect with viewers on a deeply emotional, human level. It suggests that while the film is visually and technically accomplished, its true strength lies in its emotional honesty and its capacity to evoke genuine empathy and reflection.
For Varun Tandon, “Thursday Special” is more than just a film; it is the culmination of a long-cherished creative vision. “This is a story that has stayed in my heart for years. I was taken over by the sheer excitement and curiosity to see these characters on screen and watch their lives unfold,” the filmmaker shared. This deeply personal connection to the material undoubtedly infuses the film with an authenticity and tenderness that resonates strongly with its audience. Tandon’s previous work includes “Syaahi,” which earned a Special Jury Award at the Indian National Film Awards, and the documentary short “Dribbling Dreams,” showcasing his versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling formats. His rich experience in crafting narratives, both fictional and documentary, contributes to the nuanced and empathetic lens through which he approaches “Thursday Special.”
Tandon further elaborated on the core essence of his film: “Thursday Special is a heartfelt portrayal of a couple whose lives revolve around their shared passion for food. Through their weekly tradition, we delve into their world and witness the intricate layers of their relationship.” This focus on food as a central motif is particularly resonant in many cultures, including Indian society, where meals are often synonymous with love, family, and tradition. The shared act of preparing, eating, and anticipating food becomes a powerful metaphor for their enduring partnership, a silent language through which they express affection, comfort, and commitment. It speaks to the myriad ways couples build their unique universe, brick by delicious brick, through shared joys and consistent companionship.
The film’s journey on the international festival circuit has been nothing short of extraordinary, accumulating over 25 awards since its premiere at Mecal Pro in Barcelona. This impressive tally underscores its universal appeal and its ability to connect with diverse audiences across the globe. Among its notable triumphs are the Best Narrative Short at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival, an important platform for showcasing Indian cinematic talent to a global audience; the Best International Short Film at the Adelaide Independent Film Festival, highlighting its cross-cultural resonance; and Best Narrative Short at the Tryon International Film Festival. Each award serves as a validation of its artistic merit, its compelling narrative, and the exceptional performances that bring Ram and Shakuntala’s story to life.
The success of “Thursday Special” on the festival circuit is not just a testament to Tandon’s filmmaking prowess but also to the power of short films to tell profound stories with immense impact. In an era dominated by feature films and sprawling series, “Thursday Special” demonstrates that brevity can indeed be the soul of wit, and that a concise narrative can still leave an indelible mark on the viewer’s heart. Its recognition across multiple continents confirms that stories of simple, enduring human connection hold a timeless appeal, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
In a move that promises to bring this acclaimed short film to an even wider audience, “Thursday Special” is slated for release on January 29 via the Humans of Cinema YouTube channel. This strategic decision to make the film accessible online reflects a growing trend in independent cinema, allowing viewers worldwide to experience powerful storytelling outside traditional theatrical distribution models. The Humans of Cinema platform, known for curating and showcasing meaningful and thought-provoking cinematic content, is an ideal home for “Thursday Special,” ensuring that its message of love, companionship, and the beauty found in everyday rituals reaches those who need it most. It is an invitation to pause, reflect, and appreciate the quiet majesty of a life shared, a poignant reminder that true richness often lies in the most ordinary of moments.
