Pondicherry University Community college Hosts “Padam” Film Festival to celebrate low-budget Cinema 

Pondicherry: On March 20th and 21st at Kamarajar Mani Mandapam, Pondicherry University Community College, Lawspet, hosted a two-day film festival named “Padam” showcasing the power and creativity of Low-budget cinema.

The event was organized by the Visual Communication department and aimed to to advance independent filmmaking besides exploring the art of cinema’s commercial constraints. Prof. Phanithi Prakash Babu, the Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, inaugurated the event where a pleathora of films were exhibited. The event was also graced by prominent director Babu Yogeswaran, who directed movies like Tamilrasan (2024) and Daas (2005).

At the outset, Lalitha Ramakrishnan, Principal (i/c), Pondicherry University Community College, Lawspet, delivered the welcome address which was followed by the central address by Dr. C. Suresh Kumar, Head of the Department of Visual Communication. Prof. R. Sevukan, Dean of the Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication, Pondicherry University then offered felicitation.

Some of the highlights were Param Para, a 2024 film directed by the alumnus Pavarasu, and Vilambal, a short film produced with a mere Rs. 500  by alumnus  A. M. Sentamizhan, proving that creativity is not restricted within budget. In addition to other thought-provoking works such as Dreams by Rajat Singh, Alaigal, and Oru Nodi by G. Suresh, which address alcoholism. The Oscar-nominated short films Bitty by Karishma Dev and Anuja by Adam J Graver were also screened.

Dr. K.S. Kritika, Assistant Professor of PUCC, Lawspet concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks. ‘Padam’ inspired attendees to rediscover the magic and potential of cinema and promoted meaningful discussions with its message-driven content and strong lineup.

– Written by Ynez Fatimah Riyas

– Edited by Rupam Shukla