Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has openly encouraged audiences to support the independent film ‘Nukkad Natak’, even sharing on Instagram that he plans to watch it with his colleagues and is willing to sponsor tickets for viewers. In an industry dominated by celebrity-driven projects, the film arrives without marquee names or major studio backing. Instead, it relies on grassroots storytelling and word of mouth. The director’s endorsement has further amplified curiosity around the project. His appeal highlights how smaller films often depend on public support to survive theatrical releases.A striking image of the team dressed simply, travelling together in a hand-painted caravan, captures the spirit behind ‘Nukkad Natak’. With backpacks packed and schedules fixed, their journey is not a vacation but a nationwide promotional tour. Rather than glamorous events, they are visiting towns and villages to connect directly with audiences.The film, directed by 28-year-old IIT Kanpur graduate Tanmaya Shekhar and starring Molshri with Shivang Rajpal, is set to release on February 27. Their approach reflects determination rather than conventional marketing muscle.
No studio support, only determination
Despite earning recognition at international festivals, the road to release for ‘Nukkad Natak’ has been far from easy. The film premiered at the UK Asian Film Festival, where Molshri won Best Actor, and later secured major honours at the Indo-German Film Week 2025 and the Kolkata International Film Festival. Yet attempts to secure a production house or OTT partner were unsuccessful. After years of pitching and countless emails, the team ultimately chose to release the film independently in theatres. This decision underscores both the challenges faced by newcomers and their refusal to give up.Promoting the film proved equally demanding, especially without industry connections. Determined to reach grassroots audiences, the crew embarked on a cross-country tour in their caravan. Travelling through cities and rural regions alike, they performed live street acts to draw attention to the film. Their mission was clear: ensure the story reaches even the smallest villages. This hands-on campaign reflects the very ethos of the movie itself.
A story reflecting two realities of India
At its core, ‘Nukkad Natak’ is a coming-of-age drama about privilege, responsibility, and social awakening. The narrative follows two college students who, after facing disciplinary action, are assigned to teach children in an underprivileged settlement. What begins as a punishment becomes a transformative experience that reshapes their worldview.The film explores how opportunities taken for granted by some remain distant dreams for others. Through education as its central theme, it highlights the stark contrast between different social realities coexisting within the same country.
Innovative grassroots promotion
The film’s crew consists entirely of newcomers, from actors to technicians, making the project a collective debut. To generate buzz, they launched a digital series titled “How to Enter Bollywood,” portraying outsiders attempting to break into the industry. The 25-episode series attracted over 15 million views, significantly boosting awareness. Beyond online campaigns, the team travelled across cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Indore, staging live street performances to engage passersby. Their trailer has also crossed 5.5 million views on YouTube within a month.Interestingly, prominent filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap have spoken about the film in interviews, further validating the effort behind it.
