The short film Birth, featuring Shreya Dhanwanthary and Lillete Dubey in the lead roles, will premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on 27 August.
The first international short film by the media house Boundless Media, Birth is directed by Shyam Sunder and produced by Natasha Malpani Oswal.
Birth is a 25-minute satirical feminist thriller that takes on the journey of a woman faced with motherhood, not as a choice, but as an absolute necessity for women in general. In the film, Meera (Shreya Dhanwanthary), who is pregnant, visits a place headed by Mama Nithya (Lillete Dubey) where expecting mothers come to find joy in their pregnancy.
However, Meera falls in the trap of a sinister cult that changes her life once and for all. The film explores the role Indian society plays in reshaping a woman’s identity as she becomes a mother.
Sharing her thoughts about the film, Boundless Media's Oswal said, “I conceptualised Birth, to explore how society attempts to reshape a woman's identity as a 'good mother' in a tongue-in-cheek way. It was a pleasure working with stellar actors such as Lillete and Shreya, who brought the characters in our minds come, so perfectly to life.”
Sharing his experience of filming this short thriller, director Shyam Sunder said, “It brings us utmost joy to release Birth. The film has a unique vision. It focuses on the personal struggles of the countless women who struggle to maintain their identity in the face of societal pressure through a satirical twist. Lilette and Shreya have done absolute justice to their versatile roles. We hope that the relatable theme of Birth appeals to the audience.”
Birth also stars Abeer Mehervish, Aanchal Chauhan, and Natasha Iyer in pivotal roles.