Oscar-shortlisted short film Anuja finds home on Netflix

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A scene from the Oscar-nominated short film, Anuja. Photo: Trailer Video Grab

The Oscar-shortlisted short film Anuja will make its streaming debut on Netflix, A heartwarming and powerful story, it is directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai. It narrates a hopeful tale of two sisters struggling to find joy and opportunity in a world intent on their exploitation and exclusion.

Shortlisted for a nomination at the 97th Academy Awards in the Best Live Action Short Film category, Anuja offers a reflection of the universal struggles faced by young girls worldwide. The film will now be accessible to viewers in over 190 countries, ensuring that its powerful message reaches a global audience.

Anuja has the backing of a team of producers: Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Krushan Naik, Aaron Kopp, Devananda Graves, Michael Graves, Ksheetij Saini and Alexandra Blaney. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anita Bhatia are on board as Executive Producers.

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Co-Executive Producers include Archana Jain, Susan MacLaury and Albie Hecht. The film is grounded in deep research and filmed in collaboration with several community partners, including Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust. This nonprofit organization focuses on empowering street and working children, and the lead actor, Sajda Pathan, is herself a beneficiary of the Trust.

Talking about the creative partners on board, Adam J. Graves, writer and director, said, “Anuja is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and untold stories of working children, highlighting their joy and hope amidst challenges. The film captures the innocence and magic of childhood, brought to life through collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust and the insights of NGOs such as the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation and Save the Children. I am grateful to our producers and to Netflix for giving this important story a global platform, connecting audiences worldwide to the strength of these remarkable children.”

Sharing her excitement, Mindy Kaling adds, “This is a story that means so much to me—it’s powerful, hopeful and full of life, just like the incredible young girls it represents. I’m deeply passionate about this film and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Suchitra and Adam to bring this important narrative to life. The film brings attention to crucial issues while celebrating resilience, humor and hope. I’m delighted that, with Netflix joining the team, the conversation will expand as it reaches audiences far and wide.”

On the film’s release on Netflix, Guneet Monga Kapoor shared, “A story of unparalleled courage, this is a film made with a lot of heart. Director Adam J. Graves delivers a message through an empowered and entertaining lens. I’m honored to be part of the journey ahead, alongside Mindy Kaling, Suchitra Mattai and Krushan Naik, and now one of the most powerful brown voices to champion our story—Priyanka Chopra Jonas. In anticipation and hope of an Academy Award nomination, I’m thankful to Netflix for embracing Anuja and providing it with the platform and voice it truly deserves, bringing our story to a global audience, with Netflix’s presence in over 190 countries.”

Ananya Shanbhag (Palak), Sajda Pathan (Anuja) and Nagesh Bhosle (Mr. Verma) head the cast.