Insaniyat
Insaniyat is a 2023 Indian short film directed by Rahul Khan and produced by Lulumolu Entertainment, in association with Paris Entertainment India. The film explores themes of **humanity, corruption, and social conscience** through the struggles of Shankar Das — a man whose life takes an unexpected turn after tragedy and betrayal. Known for its emotional depth and powerful message, the film has been widely acclaimed at film festivals across India.
Plot
The story revolves around **Shankar Das**, a man in his 60s who is trapped in a life filled with pain and loss. After losing his adopted child in a car accident, his world collapses. The court grants him compensation, but corrupt officials delay the payment, demanding a bribe.
- Insaniyat* highlights the grim reality of bribery and the exploitation of the vulnerable. It shows how the common man’s dignity and justice are often crushed by greed and bureaucracy. The film reaches a **marvelous twist ending**, redefining the essence of true humanity — where compassion triumphs over corruption.
Production
The film is **presented by Lulumolu Entertainment** and **co-presented by Paris Entertainment India**, produced by **Lulumolu Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.**, and co-produced by **Faisal Khan (USA)**, **Rahul Khan**, and **Sahil Chaudhary**. The visual storytelling was crafted by **D.O.P Mohd. Aarif Ahemad**, with **Saurabh Tyagi Jolly** handling editing and color grading. The soulful music was composed by **Ssameer**, with vocals by **Gautam Naresh**, while **Nirupam Mathur** served as the Marketing Head.
Direction and Inspiration
Director **Rahul Khan**, known for his work as an assistant director in the TV series *Porus*, found inspiration for *Insaniyat* during the **Covid-19 pandemic**. Witnessing stories of compassion and unity between people of different faiths, he created a film that reflects India’s enduring spirit of brotherhood and humanity.
Rahul shared, “*Insaniyat* is about the religious harmony of India — it celebrates the bond between Hindus and Muslims. During Covid, we saw families stand by one another in the darkest times. That inspired this story.”
The film was shot in **remote areas of Uttar Pradesh and around Jama Masjid in Delhi**. Despite strict pandemic restrictions, the crew’s dedication ensured a smooth shoot, with full adherence to safety protocols.
Cast
- Lead Cast – (Names undisclosed)
- Supporting Roles – Ensemble of theatre and film actors
- Vocals – Gautam Naresh
- Director Cameo – Rahul Khan (uncredited)
Themes
- Humanity and Compassion
- Religious Harmony
- Corruption and Bureaucracy
- Grief and Redemption
- Social Justice
Music
The music of *Insaniyat* is composed by **Ssameer** and sung by **Gautam Naresh**. The soundtrack blends emotional melodies with traditional Indian rhythms, intensifying the film’s themes of loss and hope.
Challenges During Filming
Filming during the pandemic was not easy. The team faced travel restrictions, safety protocols, and logistic barriers. Despite these, the cast and crew showed unwavering commitment. Rahul Khan praised his team, saying, “We’ll always remember how we shot this film — it was one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives.”
Reception
The film received **critical acclaim** for its emotional narrative and realistic portrayal of human suffering and morality. Critics praised **Rahul Khan’s direction** for its sincerity and artistic depth. Viewers described the film as *“a moving reflection on the soul of humanity.”*
Awards and Recognition
- Selected among the **Top 21 Short Films** at the **Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023**.
- Won multiple awards at national and international short film festivals.
- Appreciated for promoting **communal harmony** and **ethical storytelling** through cinema.
Legacy
- Insaniyat* marks a major milestone for **Lulumolu Entertainment**, reinforcing its commitment to producing socially relevant and meaningful cinema. The film positioned **Rahul Khan** as a rising filmmaker with a distinctive humanitarian vision.