Applause echoed across the fully packed NFDC auditorium during the Gala Premiere and Special Screening of Gudgudi (21 mins) that was held during the ongoing 19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2026. This Indian Short Feature film is directed by Manisha K Makwana and produced by Harsh Patel.
Ritu, a young girl working secretly as a mascot to support her family, hides her loneliness behind the costume. When she meets Aarav, a withdrawn child, an unlikely bond emerges. Through this connection, Ritu is compelled to face her truths and find the courage to voice what she has long kept silent.
Speaking at the Press Conference that was held prior to the Gala premiere, Manisha Makwana said that at the core of her short film Gudgudi lies a profound emotional truth: “The masks we wear to protect ourselves can often be unlocked by the purest forms of human connection.”
“The film explores this delicate balance through the lens of an unexpected friendship, shedding light on the hidden emotional weight carried by those who entertain for a living,” she added, revealing that her film is based on her experiences during the initial period of her career.
The Tickle in the Heart – that’s Gudgudi
The emotional anchor of the narrative is beautifully summarized in a poignant, deleted scene following a picnic. Aarav (played by Ridansh), a young boy filled with innocence, approaches the main character, Ritu, hugs her tightly, and tells her, “Aap se milkar gudgudi hui” (Meeting you gave me a tickle).
When a curious Ritu asks what “gudgudi” means to him, Aarav shares a memory of his grandmother. His Nani taught him that whenever he visited, she felt a “gudgudi” in her heart. For the young boy, the word signifies a deep, unfiltered happiness — a warmth he felt anew upon meeting Ritu.
“The Mascot Suit as an Everyday Shield reminiscent of the classic themes in cinema like Mera Naam Joker. Gudgudi dives into the symbolism of performers who suppress personal sorrow to bring joy to others. The central character Ritu works as a mascot in an amusement park where on the outside, her costume sports a permanent, cheerful grin. On the inside, she battles isolation, sadness and the constant instinct to second-guess her emotions,” elaborates Manisha Makwana who began her career in Bollywood as an assistant to Raj & DK whom she considers as her mentors.
The heavy emotional burden people carry with them
“Casting Ahsaas Channa in such an intense role was a deliberate creative choice. The physical contrast of her slight frame carrying a massive, suffocating mascot suit visually emphasizes the heavy emotional burden her character carries,” concluded Manisha Makwana.
Manisha K. Makwana is an Indian filmmaker making her directorial debut with the short film ‘Gudgudi’. Before directing, she spent nearly a decade working with Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D. K. on projects including ‘The Family Man’, ‘Farzi’, ‘Guns ʙ Gulaabs’, and ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’. Gudgudi, the film is drawn from her personal experiences and marks her debut at Cannes.
(Photos credit – Manoj Tarkar, NFDC, Films Division)
Cast of Gudgudi (Short Fiction):
Ahsaas Channa as Ritu
Hridansh Parekh as Aarav
Pratik Rathod
Mehool Desai
Dhanya Doshi
Yuvraj Gadhavi
Kalpana Gagdekar
Up and Running (Corren Las Liebres) — A Spanish Documentary of resilience premieres at MIFF 2026
Credits of Gudgudi (Short Fiction):
Produced by White Peacock Films
Producer – Harsh Patel
Director – Manisha K Makwana
Cinematographer – Vishal Vyas
Editors – Bhushan Mane, Sumeet Kotian
Sound Designer – Sanjay Mauryya & Allwin Rego
