Karthik Dammu’s Second Innings Selected for Delhi Shorts Film Festival

NEW DELHI: Actor and filmmaker Karthik Dammu has added another achievement to his film career. His directorial venture, Second Innings, is among the selections for the 15th Delhi Shorts International Film Festival.

The news comes after two festival honours for the short film. At the Beyond International Film Festival, Second Innings received an Honourable Mention. It also picked up the Best Film on Disability Issue award at the MEI International Film Festival.

Karthik first drew attention as the lead actor in Fouja, which was recognised at the National Film Awards. His latest project sees him on the other side of the camera, this time as both writer and director.

The change is a significant one. Instead of interpreting a character written for him, Karthik has developed a story of his own and taken it through the filmmaking process.

In Second Innings, he turns his attention to autism and the experiences of a family dealing with its everyday realities. The film follows the difficulties that can arise within relationships, particularly when people struggle to understand each other's needs.

There is no attempt to turn the story into a lecture. The subject unfolds through the family and the situations its members encounter. The intention is to leave viewers thinking about how they respond to people whose experiences may be different from their own.

For a film dealing with disability, the award at MEI carries particular relevance. The Honourable Mention at Beyond International Film Festival and the subsequent Delhi Shorts selection have added to the film's festival record.

Reacting to the latest selection, Karthik said, “It means a lot to see Second Innings being recognised. We wanted to make a film that would connect with people, especially families. I'm glad it is getting opportunities to be seen, and I hope audiences take something meaningful away from it.”

The move into direction has opened up a different area of filmmaking for Karthik. His experience on Fouja was in front of the camera. On Second Innings, he has been responsible for the script, the performances and the overall telling of the story.

The two projects represent different stages of his career. While Fouja gave him the opportunity to establish himself as an actor, Second Innings marks his entry into writing and directing films.

With its latest festival selection, the short film is gaining attention beyond its initial audience. Karthik, meanwhile, is looking to build on the experience and continue exploring stories through his work as a filmmaker.

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Karthik Prasad

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