The idea for Abhimukha did not emerge as a conventional scriptwriting exercise. Instead, it evolved organically from a three minute reel that Mahan created and showcased at Govinda Dasa College in Suratkal. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing curiosity and urging him to expand it into a fullv fledged short film. Encouraged by this reaction, Mahan began developing the concept further. What followed was a determined effort to bring together a team of like minded youngsters. Like many teenagers, Mahan and his friends earned pocket money through catering, and they pooled in their savings to fund the project. With collective effort and support from friends, Abhimukha was completed on a budget of ₹3 lakhs.
Behind Mahan’s creative journey stands the unwavering support of his mother, Mamatha Janardhan, who has been his constant pillar of strength. From the very beginning, she encouraged him to pursue what he truly loves, giving him the freedom and confidence to follow his passion for filmmaking. Her belief in his abilities has played a crucial role in shaping his path, especially at such a young age. Mahan often considers himself blessed to have a mother who not only supports his dreams but also inspires him to stay committed and grounded throughout his journey.
Spanning 40 minutes, Abhimukha stands out for its ambition and genre. Set against the backdrop of the Mangaluru region, the film captures the essence of coastal culture while presenting a mass action narrative, something rarely attempted in short films due to budget constraints. Unlike the typical romantic or comedy driven short films, Mahan chose to focus on scale and quality, ensuring that the film delivers a cinematic experience. Shot in Kannada, he is confident that the film will resonate with audiences across Karnataka, despite its rooted coastal setting.
Abhimukha is written and directed by Mahan Poojary, who also takes on an acting role in the film. The technical team behind the project reflects a strong collaborative effort by young talents, with cinematography handled by Shravan and Franston, editing by Samrudh and Pratham, and music composed by Harsha Bhat. The film’s visual design is shaped by art director Ashwin Shetty, while VFX has been executed by Rajesh. Rohan Bangera has contributed as the associate director, adding to the film’s creative direction. The musical experience is further enriched with contributions from Sanchith Bangera, while vocals have been rendered by Himangi Ullal, Rohan Bangera, and Kushi Anchan.
Currently pursuing his first-year BBM at SDM College, Mahan has already begun gaining recognition. The trailer of Abhimukha, launched at Cine Galaxy in Surathkal, received an enthusiastic response, further boosting the team’s confidence. Rather than opting for a conventional digital release, Mahan made the bold decision to premiere the film in theatres. Believing that the film was designed for the big screen, he chose to release it at Bharath Cinemas on the 19th and 20th, with five shows planned. The VIP tickets are priced at 250 and other tickets are priced at 180. The response so far has been encouraging, with audiences showing keen interest in supporting the film. Looking ahead, the team is also considering screenings in other parts of Tulunadu, including Puttur, Udupi, and Manipal, depending on the reception.
While recovering the investment remains a practical concern, Mahan emphasizes that his primary goal is not profit but responsibility. Having invested pooled funds from friends, he feels accountable to return their money. At the same time, he believes that audience encouragement will motivate him to experiment further and improve his craft in future projects.
Looking ahead, Mahan has clear ambitions. Over the next two years, while completing his degree, he plans to work on at least two more short films. His ultimate goal is to enter the film industry as an actor, writer, and director. For Mahan, cinema is not just about storytelling but also about the experience. He strongly believes that watching a film in a theatre offers a magic that no digital platform can replicate. With Abhimukha, he and his young team have made a sincere and dedicated effort to bring something fresh to audiences. Their hope is that viewers step into theatres, support their work, and encourage a new generation of filmmakers to dream bigger.
