Sanjay Mishra Giddh – The Scavenger Wins National Award, Marking a Historic Milestone for Ellanar Films

When passion meets purpose, magic happens—and that’s exactly what Ellanar Films’ Giddh – The Scavenger has proven. Produced by Radhika Lavu and starring the powerhouse actor Sanjay Mishra, the film has bagged the 71st National Film Award for Best Short Film (Hindi), cementing its place as one of the most impactful Indian short films in recent times.

A Story That Stirs the Soul

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Manish Saini Giddh – The Scavenger is a 24-minute drama that fearlessly dives into the clash between hunger and guilt. It’s not just a film—it’s a mirror to society that forces you to question the thin line between survival and morality.

And the world is noticing. Before its National Award triumph, the film:

Won Best Short Award at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2023(Oscar-qualifying festival).
Qualified for the Academy Awards.
Featured at prestigious platforms like LA Shorts International, Bengaluru International Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and bagged two Critics Choice Awards.

Radhika Lavu on the Big Win

For Radhika Lavu, the young producer behind Ellanar Films, this milestone is more than just an award—it’s a validation of fearless storytelling.

> “Receiving the 71st National Film Award is an overwhelming honor and a defining milestone for us. Giddh explores the fragile line between survival and morality—a theme that resonates beyond language or borders. This win reaffirms Ellanar Films’ mission to nurture bold voices that touch audiences worldwide.”

Radhika Lavu: A Visionary Leader in Indian Cinema

If there’s one name redefining independent cinema today, it’s Radhika Lavu. Already recognized with the BusinessWorld 40 Under 40 Achievement, she has positioned Ellanar Films as a powerhouse of creativity.

Her slate includes acclaimed projects such as:

Gods of Dharmapuri (ZEE5)
Unheard (Disney+ Hotstar)
Adrishya Jalakangal (Netflix)
Uppu Kappurambu (Amazon Original Telugu film starring Keerthy Suresh and Suhas)

And she isn’t stopping anytime soon—upcoming releases like Dvija (Malayalam) and Minimum (Hindi) promise more groundbreaking stories.

Why Giddh – The Scavenger Deserves Your Attention

A powerhouse performance by Sanjay Mishra.
A story that questions survival, morality, and human guilt.
International acclaim and now, India’s highest honor for cinema.
A bold reminder that Indian storytelling is reaching global standards.

Sanjay Mishra Giddh:

With Giddh – The Scavenger, Radhika Lavu and Ellanar Films have set a new benchmark for Indian short films. It’s more than just a story—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.