Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap have come together to present the coming of age short Bobby Beauty Parlour set to premiere on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel on August 6. Directed by Shashwat Dwivedi, Bobby Beauty Parlour is the story of childhood best friends Eelu and Manu, who spend one final afternoon together before life takes them in different directions. Set largely inside a neighbourhood beauty parlour, the short captures the innocence of adolescence as the duo spend their time drinking, napping, arguing, and trying to hold on to a friendship that is about to change forever.
Starring Adrija Sinha, Parul Rana, Saksham Raj, and Preeti Kochar, the short has been produced by Janhavi Asthana, who has also co-written and served as the cinematographer for the film, alongside Ranjan Singh and Anurag Kashyap.
Imtiaz Ali commented, “The most spectacular moments of life don’t scream, but remain a part of our character forever. It is such moments that make Bobby Beauty Parlour charming. The film got me remembering my own small hometown, my adolescent decisions and friends that I always carried with me.”
Anurag Kashyap earlier talked about the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel, “I’ve always loved short films as they are the first stepping stone for a director to test their storytelling style and give an actual practice to them of shooting a story. This is our effort to showcase some excellent short films, curated by me and presented by filmmakers whose work I look up to.”
Adding Bobby Beauty Parlour is ‘about friendship, aspirations and growing up’. Adding, “The best part is the producer Janhavi is also the co-writer and shot the film. Director Shashwat, is someone that started out with me whose growth has been so much and feels so personal.”
Producer Ranjan Singh said, “ Bobby Beauty Parlour is an acclaimed short which has travelled to many festivals across the world. Essentially a heart-warming story about friends, life and its realities, it fits perfectly for a friendship week release.”
Director Shashwat Dwivedi expressed he was happy the film was premiering on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel, “Bobby Beauty Parlour has been an amazing experience for me, especially because of the people involved it in. I’m glad the film is releasing on YouTube, given I’ve learnt so much of my filmmaking through the platform, it feels good to give something back for a change.”
He added, “It’s also tough to believe that two of my favourite film makers are presenting the film, both of whom have had a great impact on my life. I really hope it reaches a wide audience and people start missing their friends after watching it.”
