All Ten Heads of Ravana

By Pickle November 24, 2024

India | Hindi | Drama, Comedy

Synopsis

For three generations, 17-year-old Jugnu’s family has made giant Ravana effigies in Delhi’s bustling Ravana market, only to watch them burn each Dussehra, symbolising the end of evil. But Jugnu doesn’t feel redeemed just trapped in his family’s low-caste roots, with a world that doesn’t let him forget it.

Jugnu’s days drift by in TikTok videos and daydreams of Simmi, a striking girl from the local beauty parlour who barely notices him. Then one day, a bizarre idea hits him: what if jeans could have padding? Bras and shoes do-why not jeans? Seeing it as a business opportunity, Jugnu throws himself into the bold scheme. To his surprise, Kishan Chand, a shrewd upper-caste businessman, agrees to back him-but only if Jugnu delivers a big order by Dussehra.

With little money and lesser know-how, Jugnu turns to Sanam, his friend’s fiance and savvy jeans store manager, for help. But working side-by-side sparks a dangerous closeness between them, testing Jugnu’s loyalty to his friend.

On the day of Dussehra, as Ravanas burn across the city, everything Jugnu has built threatens to unravel – alliances crack, promises break, and an unexpected betrayal strikes home. But will Jugnu rise-or burn like the effigies he’s always known?

Pranjal Dua
Director & Producer
dua.pranjal@gmail.com

Director(s) Statement

Growing up near the famous Ravana Market in West Delhi, I was always drawn to the world of effigy makers. These artisan families forbid their own from witnessing the burning of effigies on Dussehra, accepting it as Ravana’s destinyand, in a way, their own. Belonging to the low-caste Valmiki Samaj, they have long been subjugated by upper castes. But their youth now reject this traditional craft, seeing it as a symbol of oppression. Question is, can these deep-rooted hierarchies ever truly be dismantled? The film delves into this, mirroring Ravana’s fiery fate with a community’s fight for identity and equality.

Budget
USD 539, 000

Financing in place
USD 135, 000

Production Company
Jalsa, Dissidenz Films

Looking for
Co-Producers, Financers, Sales/Sales Agents