This Christmas season brought a thrilling surprise for fans of indie cinema and genre mash-ups. A new action-comedy short film infused with survival horror elements, titled Hotspot, made its exclusive debut on YouTube. The film presents a unique cinematic experiment set against the backdrop of Kolkata's lesser-seen locales.
From Film Shoot to Fight for Survival
The plot of Hotspot revolves around an amateur filmmaker and his small crew who venture out to create a short film. Their chosen sets are various abandoned locations across Kolkata, including areas in Barasat. What starts as a routine creative project quickly spirals into a nightmare when the group finds itself under a sudden and vicious attack by zombies. Trapped and facing a mortal threat, the crew must channel their on-screen roles into a real-life struggle for survival, transforming their film shoot into a desperate battle.
A Directorial Shift and a Lead Actor-Producer
Helming this project is director Pritam Dutta, who explicitly states that this film marks a departure from his earlier work. "This project is different from my previous films. I approached it in a new way and treated it as an experiment," Dutta revealed. The lead role is played by Ayan Bose, who also shoulders the responsibility of the film's producer. Bose, known for his work in projects like Ugraaa, found the shoot to be a highly enjoyable experience.
"There was a lot of fun while shooting, and I hope the audience enjoys this new kind of short film during the holiday season," Bose said. Adding to his credentials, Ayan Bose is a recipient of the Best Actor award at the Indian Short Cinema Film Festival. The supporting cast of Hotspot includes performers Pritam Das, Sushan Saha, and Baishik, who complete the ensemble caught in the zombie chaos.
Production and Vision Behind the Project
Hotspot has been brought to life by Bhairaava Film Productions. The production aims to achieve a dual objective: offering a fresh perspective on the short film format and simultaneously amplifying new voices emerging from India's independent filmmaking space. By blending action, comedy, and horror in a familiar yet eerie urban setting, the team strives to deliver compact, engaging entertainment directly to the digital audience.
The release on YouTube during the Christmas period is a strategic move to capture viewers looking for unconventional content amidst the holiday festivities. It represents the growing trend of indie filmmakers using digital platforms to bypass traditional distribution channels and connect directly with their audience, showcasing diverse narratives and genre innovations.
