The Story of Yuvraj and Shahajahan (film)

The Story of Yuvraj and Shahajahan is a 2024 Marathi short film written, produced, and directed by Santosh Ram. Set in a rural village in Maharashtra, it traces an unlikely connection between two young men. The film premiered at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle in October 2024 and has since screened widely at Indian and international festivals, including several focused on queer cinema.

Plot

Yuvraj, a young village boy feels drawn to bangle seller, Shahjahan, They Meet in a secluded place. They share their stories with each other. Yuvraj and Shahjahan lead a duel life in a society that detests homosexuality. They depart on the note of meeting again.

Cast

• Rahul Biradar as Yuvraj
• Vinay Bhagat as Shahjahan
• Anjali Jadhav as Wife
• RajKumar Munde as Patil
• Vivek Holsambre as Father
• Shesherao Pawade as Guru

Production

Ram shot the film entirely on location in a village in Marathwada region , working almost entirely with non-professional actors. The film is produced under Ram's own banner, Vivek Chitra Production, and runs approximately 25 minutes.

Awards and Nominations

The film has received several awards at Indian and international short film festivals:

Reception

Critics have described the film as a "simple but powerful" and that offers rare insight into same [...] relationships in conservative rural India.

External links

• Indian Masala Mix – 2, Mumbai Queer Fest
• Viewing Room Film Bazaar, Page No. 232 (PDF)
• The Story of Yuvraj and Shahajahan, SAFF Montreal
• Central States Film Festival (September 2025)
• AIFF 2026 Catalogue, Page No. 122 (PDF)