MUMBAI: Actor-director Palash Dutta, who also wears the hats of writer and producer, is receiving widespread acclaim for his impactful performance in Singh & Sinha, a short film directed and produced by Mohan Das. The emotionally charged film, which tackles the subject of living with HIV, recently premiered at the prestigious Cannes Marché du Film, drawing an overwhelming response from both audiences and global film festivals. The film had a world premiere online on the Cannes Film Festival website.
Speaking about the challenges of acting in short films, Palash shared, “Short films often face both time and budget constraints, especially since they are frequently self-funded. That said, short films can actually be tougher to execute as an actor because of the limited duration. With less screen time, you have to establish a character, convey emotion, and drive the story forward very quickly. There’s no room for gradual buildup like in a feature film—you need to be precise and impactful from the start. However, this also presents a great challenge and an opportunity to sharpen your skills and deliver a powerful performance in a condensed format.”
The film’s Cannes debut proved to be a significant milestone for the team. “Apart from the audience, we received a very warm and welcoming reception at the Cannes Marché du Film screening,” said Palash.
Director and Producer Mohan Das added, “Major global film festivals approached us for the screening and invited us to participate in their events. The response exceeded my expectations—audiences and fellow filmmakers connected deeply with the narrative, praising its raw honesty and emotional depth. Many appreciated the nuanced portrayal of resilience, love, and stigma, sparking meaningful conversations around HIV awareness and acceptance.”
The international exposure has already opened new avenues for the film. “Being part of this global platform reminded me of the importance of telling stories that matter,” Dutta emphasized. “Being showcased at Cannes has already given Singh & Sinha a powerful platform. The festival attracts global media, industry professionals, distributors, and changemakers—so the exposure opens doors for wider distribution, festival circuits, and streaming opportunities. More importantly, Cannes has helped position the film within the international conversation around HIV awareness and representation. The support and recognition from such a prestigious event bring credibility and momentum that will carry the film far beyond the festival.”
Director Mohan Das, who both directed and produced the film, shared his thought process behind the story. “While writing Singh & Sinha, my primary focus was to approach the subject of living with HIV with honesty, sensitivity, and humanity. I wanted to move beyond the stereotypes and portray real, layered individuals navigating life, relationships, and societal judgment. It was important for me to create a narrative that not only sheds light on the emotional and psychological impact of the condition but also challenges the stigma and misinformation surrounding it. Ultimately, the story is about dignity, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit.”
With plans to dub the film in over 22 languages and submit it to the Limca Book of Records, Mohan Das is determined to ensure Singh & Sinha reaches a global audience. The film’s journey—from grassroots storytelling to the global spotlight—is a testament to the power of meaningful cinema and the passion of artists like Palash Dutta and Mohan Das.
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