Bhopal’s young filmmakers shine at Rewa film festival:Zero-budgeted short film ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’ helps Dreamers Collective to gain accolades

In Bhopal’s growing filmmaking space, where many young creators chase social media reach, meaningful storytelling often takes a back seat. While good cameras and confidence are common, strong writing and discipline are not. In this space, Dreamers Collective has built a reputation for choosing substance over shortcuts. Their 15-minute-long film ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’, which was screened at the Rewa Chitrangan International Film Theatre Festival last week, reflects not only rural realities but also the team’s own journey of learning, struggle, and persistence. Inside the team, behind the film Dreamers Collective was an initiative by 6 individuals, Ashutosh Mishra, actor/theatre practitioner; Ishika Agrawal, fashion stylist/product designer; Simran Behl, actor/social media influencer; Suryansh Giri, cinematographer and a few others as well. From an initial group of six, Dreamers Collective has grown into a team of 27, including designers, event managers, musicians and members from non-creative backgrounds. “This diversity shapes our thinking,” Ishika said. ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’, was made with the ideation of Ishika Agrawal, project head; Writer/Director Ashutosh Mishra, Asst. Director Faizal Ahmad Ayaan Khan; Creative Head, Neelmani Kadwe Nischay Dinesh Gurang From hobby to responsibility For project head Ishika Agrawal, filmmaking did not begin as a career plan. “We started making films only as a hobby. We never thought about festivals or recognition,” she said. That changed after their nomination at the International Film Project (IFP). “It made us realise that our work could reach beyond our circle. It gave us responsibility,” she added. Proving themselves under pressure The team’s IFP-nominated film Pati Patni Aur Do (2) further showed their ability to work under pressure. The film was created in 50 hours, from scripting to editing. “We avoided copying online ideas. We focused on discussion and planning. We finished editing in the last 16 hours,” Ashutosh said. Out of more than 62,000 entries from 45 countries, only 16 films were selected. Dreamers Collective was the only team from Bhopal in vertical category. Story of ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’ ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’ follows a village boy who dreams of owning a tractor and finally receives from amount his father received for compensation. When it breaks down, he leaves it to call a mechanic, but returns to find it missing. Believing it has been stolen, he searches for it unsuccessfully and sinks into frustration. He begins reflecting on how the money could have been used for his family’s needs. Later, he finds the tractor has been returned home, and his father scolds him for his carelessness. The next day, he decides to sell it, realising that impractical dreams often come at a cost. Instead of dramatizing rural life, the film focuses on small moments and emotions. The tractor symbolises status, security and dignity in farming families. Discipline born out of limitations Ashutosh Mishra said the team works without institutional backing or major funding. “Everything we do is self-managed — finances, equipment, travel, permissions. Most of our projects, including ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’, are made on almost zero budget. There is no external support system. If we don’t plan properly, the project collapses,” he said. ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’ was shot in Sultanpur, MP after careful location scouting by Nischay Dinesh Gurung. The team travelled nearly 100 kilometres for the shoot. The entire project — from planning to post-production — was completed in seven to eight days. Editing was finished in just two days. Such tight schedules are not a choice, but a necessity. “We work with limited resources. That forces us to be disciplined,” Ashutosh told Bhaskar English representative. Learning from criticism At Rewa, feedback was direct. Faizal Ahmad said, “People pointed out unnecessary shots and weak areas. It was uncomfortable, but necessary.” For the team, criticism is part of growth. “If people don’t question your work, you stop improving,” Ishika said. The group does not view filmmaking as a shortcut to fame. “We want to build a culture of serious cinema in Bhopal,” Ashutosh said. “We want people to respect the process and know that filmmaking is not just a passion or hobby but a way to tell stories and shape mindsets, ideologies, beliefs etc.” Through consistent effort, rooted storytelling, and collaborative work, Dreamers Collective is slowly redefining what independent filmmaking from Bhopal can look like. With ‘Bapu Mohe Tractor Dilade’, a near-zero-budget film made through personal commitment and teamwork, they have shown that meaningful cinema depends more on honesty and vision than on money.