Aatmapamphlet

Aatmapamphlet is an Indian Marathi-language coming of age film directed by Ashish Avinash Bende in his debut. Screenplay is by Paresh Mokashi and cinematography is by Satyajit Shobha Sriram. The film is jointly produced by T-Series, Colour Yellow Productions and Zee Studios.

Atmapamplet was screened at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, where nominated to compete for the Generation 14plus Award. The film was theatrically released on 6 October 2023.

Plot
Aatmapamphlet, a satirical biopic, unveils 10-year-old Ashish in India of 1990s. His accidental hand-hold with Srushti sparks innocent love. Amidst socio-political shifts, the story navigates personal, familial, and societal transformations. Join Ashish's introspective quest for life's purpose, humourously presented through a child's eyes. A roller-coaster of soul-searching in a nostalgic tale.

Cast

 * Om Bendkhale as Ashish
 * Manas Tondwalkar as young Ashish
 * Roomani Khare as Srishti
 * Pranjalii Shrikant as younger Srishti
 * Khushi Hajare as youngest Srishti
 * Chetan Wagh as Borya
 * Bhimrao Mude as Baba
 * Ketaki Saraf as Aai

Development
The film originated from the personal anecdotes shared by Ashish Avinash Bende, reflecting his experiences as a Dalit boy in Pune. Encouraged by Paresh Mokashi and Madhugandha Kulkarni, Bende translated these stories into a script, spurred by an ultimatum from Kulkarni. The collaborative effort yielded two contrasting film treatments, with the final script chosen to align closely with Bende's vision.

Casting
Casting for Aatmapamphlet focused on selecting actors capable of authentically portraying the camaraderie and challenges depicted in the script. Bende drew inspiration from his own circle of friends, ensuring a genuine representation of the characters' dynamics. The ensemble cast was chosen to embody the emotional depth and comedic elements essential to the narrative.

Filming
Principal-photography was begun in March 2021. Filming of the film amidst the COVID-19 pandemic posed logistical challenges, yet the production team adapted with resilience and innovation. A meticulous shooting schedule and careful location selection facilitated efficient production despite restrictions. Utilizing live streaming technology, Bende remotely supervised the shoot, maintaining real-time communication with the crew. Despite physical separation, the cast and crew fostered a cohesive atmosphere, resulting in a fulfilling and collaborative filming experience. The half of shooting was completed before second lockdown. The film was shot over 36 days around 37 locations.

Reception
In the "Generation 14plus" section, the film was competed for the Crystal Bear and the film prize AG KINO GILDE 14plus.