Watching Behind The Scenes (BTS) is like stumbling upon cinema’s own "disclaimer"—a stark reminder that the cinematic experience remains incomplete without the unseen, unspoken truths that lie behind the glitz and glamour. It’s a call to acknowledge that the essence of filmmaking is not just in what we see on screen but in all that goes unnoticed, yet drives the magic forward. BTS brings what is hidden beneath the glitz and reserved for those who know where to look. Imagine a world beyond the red carpets and blinding lights, where stories linger in the shadows and unsung heroes toil away, their faces unknown yet indispensable to every frame that dazzles on the big screen. That’s where BTS takes us, with five compelling short films, each running a little more than half an hour, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary and pulling us into the silent, unseen lives of cinema.

Cast: Jahangeer Ninasam, Aahan, Medini Kelamane, Koushik Gowda, Vijay Krishna, Sripriya, and Mahadev Prasad

Directors: Prajwal Raj, Sai Shrinidhi, Kuldeep Cariappa, Rajesh N Shankadh and Apoorva Bharadwaj

While some episodes of Behind The Scenes tug at our heartstrings, exposing lives caught in the crossfire of creative passion and the harsh realities of the film world, others lean into the grind’s poetry, celebrating the quiet, relentless pursuit of cinematic dreams—dreams that are sometimes blurred by exhaustion and sacrifice. Each episode, in its own way, unveils a side of filmmaking rarely discussed, offering a human perspective on the pressures, heartbreaks, and triumphs of creating art. We begin with Baanigondu Elle Ellide by Prajwal KS, a story that speaks to every dreamer. It’s like a kite, soaring yet tethered, capturing the ache of ambition meeting life’s limitations. This reflective journey pulls us into the heart of those who dare to dream big but must confront that even soaring visions sometimes have to make peace with gravity. The film delicately explores the balance between passion and the reality that not every dream can take flight, but that doesn’t diminish the yearning to keep trying.

Next up is Coffee, Cigarettes, and Lines by Sai Srinidhi—a midnight ode for the creative warriors who live for inspiration yet battle exhaustion’s grip. Fuelled by endless cups of coffee and smoke rings, this episode takes us into a conversation between director and actor, where the former has three stories to tell. The narrative paints the thin line between brilliance and burnout, offering a raw and relentless look at the high cost of chasing creativity at all hours. By the end of it, we see how films must balance multiple demands: pleasing the producer, satisfying the actor, and, ultimately, entertaining the audience. This short film is a bittersweet reminder that the pursuit of creativity is both a blessing and a burden.

Hero by Kuldeep Cariappa spins the classic tale of fame’s allure through the lens of an ordinary ragpicker who dreams of greatness. Fame, though, is no gentle muse here; it’s fickle, ruthless, and often disappointing. This story provides a sobering glimpse at the bittersweet pursuit of stardom, reminding us that fame demands more than just dreams—it takes resilience. As the protagonist’s journey unfolds, the myth of fame slowly disintegrates, revealing its harsh underbelly and the toll it takes on those who long for it.

Blockbuster by Rajesh N Shankadh is a tornado of ambition and chaos. Here, the race to create a hit is laid bare, where passion collides with pressure in a wild frenzy. Every scene pulses with desperate energy, showing that behind every glittering "blockbuster" is a tale of sleepless nights, sacrifices, and relentless grit—far from the glamour we see on screen. In this episode, the fevered race to succeed overwhelms the creative process itself, as the weight of expectations takes centre stage. It’s a sobering look at the madness of the industry, where the dream of making a hit can often outshine the artistry of making a meaningful film.

Finally, we come to Sumoha by Apoorva Bhardwaj, my personal favorite. This tender, intense episode is a love letter to those who choose art over comfort, craft over convenience. Sumoha captures the beauty and heartbreak of a life devoted to film, revealing the quiet devotion and unseen sacrifices that so often go unrecognised. It’s a powerful reminder that love for cinema is an unyielding choice, made time and again, even when the rewards are intangible. The film radiates a quiet intensity, as the protagonist’s dedication to their craft takes precedence over all else, offering a glimpse into the soul of a true artist.

With some fine performances, Behind the Scenes (BTS) presents an unfiltered, raw look at the overlooked lives and struggles in cinema, with each story serving a purpose that extends beyond mere entertainment. It delves into the hidden world of the often invisible crew members who pour their hearts into the craft without fanfare, as well as the relentless chaos, intense ambition, and mental toll that define the filmmaking process. The anthology captures the bittersweet dreams, unfulfilled ambitions, and the weariness that often seeps into the lives of those who strive to tell meaningful stories. The pressures of production, financial strain, and the quest for fame are juxtaposed with the deeper, often unnoticed vision that gives cinema its soul. More than just a collection of stories, BTS is a bold exploration of the world of cinema, brought to life by emerging voices who understand the depth of dedication and endurance required to fuel the industry. It also offers a glimpse into the blood, sweat, and tenacity that shape every frame while showing that the "scene" behind cinema isn’t merely different—it’s chaotic, surreal, and often more haunting than the polished version we see on screen.