Filmmaker Palash Dutta is asking audiences to rethink what family truly means. His new short film, Ek Nayi Dor, released around Raksha Bandhan, explores whether family can be built through choice, understanding and acceptance rather than blood relations alone.
Produced by A Mandala Studios in association with Palash Dutta Classic Productions, the film stars Jayati Bhatia, Palash Dutta and Vicky Shinde. Dutta has written the film, while Balwani Raajesh has directed it.
At first, Ek Nayi Dor appears to be a story about a brother and sister. However, the narrative soon takes an unexpected turn. It reveals a unique bond between a transgender woman and her boss that goes far beyond their professional relationship.
As a result, the film raises an important question: What really makes someone family?
A New Meaning To The Brother-Sister Bond
The idea behind Ek Nayi Dor is rooted in Indian traditions. In particular, it draws from the emotional bond between brothers and sisters celebrated during Raksha Bandhan.
However, Dutta gives this familiar relationship a fresh perspective. Instead of limiting family to biological connections, the film explores the idea of a chosen family.
In fact, this concept already exists in everyday Indian life. People often use terms such as “mooh bola bhai” and “mooh boli behen” for people who become family through affection and emotional connection.
Therefore, the film simply takes this familiar idea a step further. It also brings LGBTQIA+ acceptance into the conversation.
Breaking Labels Through Acceptance
At its core, Ek Nayi Dor delivers a simple yet powerful message. Everyone deserves dignity, respect and the freedom to express themselves.
Moreover, people should have the right to form meaningful relationships without facing discrimination. This becomes particularly important when discussing transgender and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Dutta believes these communities also deserve the freedom to choose their extended families. They should not be denied the basic rights to live, express themselves and build relationships.
Through its story, the film challenges the labels society often places on people. Instead, it encourages viewers to look at the human being first.
Why Short Films Are More Relevant Today
Interestingly, Ek Nayi Dor was shot in just two days. The team used real locations, including a hotel lobby. Meanwhile, the indoor portions were filmed at a makeshift location.
Despite the limited time and budget, Dutta sees the short-film format as a major advantage. According to him, short films can communicate strong ideas without requiring a lengthy runtime.
Today, audiences are surrounded by content. They can instantly switch between television channels, streaming platforms and social media.
Therefore, filmmakers have very little time to capture attention. A focused short film can deliver its message quickly while still creating an emotional impact.
A Story Designed To Start Conversations
Dutta does not want Ek Nayi Dor to simply entertain viewers. Instead, he hopes it will encourage meaningful conversations about acceptance and equality.
For this reason, he plans to organise screenings with various NGOs. He also hopes to submit the film to international film festivals.
This could help the story reach a wider audience. More importantly, it could create conversations around people who are often misunderstood or excluded.
The film, therefore, aims to become a social-awareness project as much as a piece of entertainment.
Palash Dutta’s Journey As A Filmmaker
Ek Nayi Dor is another addition to Dutta’s filmmaking journey. Over the years, he has explored several socially relevant stories through short films.
His previous projects include I Am Fine, which starred Ananth Mahadevan and Dutta. He also made Silent Ties, featuring Renuka Shahane and himself. The film went on to win 38 awards.
Meanwhile, Thanks Mom starred Sharad Malhotra, Akanksha Puri, the late Pravina Deshpande and Dutta. The film earned 27 awards at national and international film festivals.
Dutta also wrote, directed and acted in Dance of Joy. The project featured Shilpa Mehta and Laila Pannda alongside him.
Clearly, short-form storytelling has remained an important part of his creative journey.
From Acting To Hosting And Moderating
However, Dutta’s work extends beyond filmmaking. He has also built a career as an actor across films and other entertainment projects.
His recent acting credits include Inspector Avinash, starring Randeep Hooda, Urvashi Rautela and Abhimanyu Singh. He has also appeared in the Masti franchise.
Dutta featured in Masti 2 and Masti 3. Interestingly, some of his scenes from the films continue to circulate among audiences even years after their release.
At the same time, he has explored anchoring and moderating. He has moderated sessions at the Jagran Film Festival, including an interaction with casting director Mukesh Chhabra.
He also participated in an “In Conversation” session at the WAVES Summit featuring Oscar panelists. In addition, he has hosted red-carpet events for Bright Outdoor Media Style and OTT Awards.
What’s Next For Palash Dutta?
Dutta has several projects lined up. One of the most anticipated is the web series Show Stopper.
The series features an ensemble cast that includes Shweta Tiwari, Saurabh Raj Jain, Digangana Suryavanshi and Zeenat Aman. Dutta has already completed his work on the project.
Besides this, he has shot two television commercials. One features Abhay Deol, while the other stars Wamiqa Gabbi.
Both projects are expected to release soon. Meanwhile, Dutta is also expanding his work behind the scenes.
Moving Into Bigger Productions
The filmmaker is currently working on larger web series and feature films as a producer. These projects are expected to feature several known and popular actors.
Although details remain under wraps, the move marks an important new phase in his career. He is now exploring more ways to tell stories across different formats.
For now, however, Ek Nayi Dor remains particularly significant because of its social message.
Family Can Be More Than Blood
Ultimately, Ek Nayi Dor asks audiences to look beyond labels. It reminds us that family is not always determined by DNA or traditional definitions.
Instead, family can grow through trust, affection and mutual respect. Sometimes, it is the people who choose to stand beside us who become the closest members of our lives.
That is what makes Dutta’s film timely. By connecting the familiar emotions of Raksha Bandhan with a wider message of acceptance, Ek Nayi Dor hopes to make viewers pause and think.
And perhaps, that is the film’s biggest strength. It does not simply ask who belongs to a family. It asks us to consider who we choose to call family.
Watch Ek Nayi Dor and join the conversation about acceptance, equality and the many ways family can be created.
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