A new cinematic gem is on the horizon as content creator turned actress Kusha Kapila steps into a powerful new role, both in front of and behind the camera, in her latest short film Vyarth. This marks a bold new chapter in her career as she takes on the dual responsibility of acting and co-producing, showcasing her expanding creative vision and deeper commitment to meaningful storytelling.
The anticipation for Vyarth is high as audiences await the official poster launch, the first glimpse into a film that promises not just entertainment, but introspection and social commentary. At its heart, Vyarth explores the nuanced struggles of actors who find themselves boxed into roles and expectations that don’t reflect their true range or potential.
The story revolves around Bhumi, a talented yet overlooked actress who is caught in a frustrating loop of typecasting. Her hopes are dampened when she’s offered the role of a mother — a role often assigned as a stereotype to aging or background female characters. But the narrative takes a compelling twist when Bhumi’s younger flatmate, Meenakshi, asks her for help with the very same audition. This interaction becomes the catalyst for the story’s emotional and psychological depth, forcing Bhumi to confront not just the industry’s limitations, but also her own insecurities and identity as an artist.
Talking about the project, Kusha Kapila shared, “‘Vyarth’ is more than just a film; it’s a mirror reflecting the very real struggle against typecasting in our industry, a challenge central to Bhumi’s journey. As an actor, you dive deep into your character’s soul but as a producer, you have to pull back and look at the entire picture. It’s a powerful shift from ‘how do I deliver this line?’ to ‘how do all these elements create impact?’ This journey, from making funny videos in my room to acting in films and now co-producing, feels like a natural evolution.”
This evolution is evident as Kusha transitions from her widely recognized digital presence into a space where her artistic depth takes center stage. Vyarth signals a shift — from quick laughs and viral reels to layered performances and creative authorship.
Directed and produced by Pankaj Dayani, best known as an assistant director on the critically acclaimed Newton, Vyarth brings together an accomplished team of creatives. The film is written by Fahim Irshad, whose storytelling prowess weaves raw emotion into relatable realities. Acclaimed Casting Director Romil Modi, known for his work on Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light, adds another layer of credibility to the project. Capturing the visual mood of the film is Swapnil S. Sonawale, the cinematographer behind the visually stunning Monica O My Darling, who lends a poignant texture to the narrative through his lens.
With its sharp commentary on ageism, industry expectations, and the inner turmoil of artists, Vyarth is poised to be more than just a short film, it’s a conversation starter. And with Kusha Kapila at the helm as both lead and co-producer, the film also stands as a testament to the evolving role of women in Indian cinema, not just as performers, but as creators of change.
