Chunni
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Teen
Avni's school party plans are crushed when her family forbids her short dress, forcing her to conform. Defiant, she sneaks out—only to find that on Delhi’s streets, where fear distorts reality, even the familiar feels dangerous.
Chunni
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Teen
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,803 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
22 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Avni's school party plans are crushed when her family forbids her short dress, forcing her to conform. Defiant, she sneaks out—only to find that on Delhi’s streets, where fear distorts reality, even the familiar feels dangerous.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Set in India, Delhi, "Chunni" follows Avni, a spirited young woman, who is excited for her school reunion, but her joy is dampened when her traditional family forbids her from wearing her short dress. Forced to conform, she reluctantly changes into something more “appropriate,” draping herself in the chunni- a symbol of modesty.
As Avni struggles with her family's expectations and her own desire for personal expression, her brother Ishaan moves freely, preparing to meet his friends.
As the night unfolds, Avni sneaks out of her house and navigates the dimly lit streets. An innocent encounter with a familiar local shopkeeper takes a dark turn when, overwhelmed by fear, she mistakes his kind gesture for an attack. Acting on instinct, she uses her chunni as a weapon.
.jpg)
CONCEPT AND THEME
"Chunni" delves into the conflict between personal freedom and societal constraints, examining how deeply ingrained fear shapes perceptions and actions. The film explores the tension between self-expression and cultural expectations, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of navigating a world where women’s choices are often dictated by unwritten rules of "appropriateness."
Through Avni's journey, Chunni highlights the unspoken rules that govern everyday choices, from clothing to movement, and the consequences of defying these norms. It delves into the psychological weight of living in a world where fear—both imposed and internalized—shapes behavior, forcing individuals to constantly negotiate their autonomy within restrictive environments.
Set against the backdrop of a rigid social structure- Delhi, the story challenges deeply rooted beliefs and exposes the invisible yet powerful forces that dictate women’s lives. Chunni is a reflection on the broader consequences of cultural conditioning, compelling audiences to question the systems that perpetuate control and the cost of breaking free from them.
.jpg)
Discussions on patriarchy and gender-based oppression are not new, but Chunni shifts the focus from simply questioning men’s power to examining the deeper consequences of such a society. While men are privileged within this system, Chunni highlights what it does to women—how it conditions them to live in constant fear, forcing them to view every man as a potential threat, regardless of his intentions.
In a world where women are always on edge, even well-meaning individuals can be perceived as dangers, leading to a cycle where victims, shaped by fear and survival instincts, can become victimizers. Chunni exposes this unsettling reality, exploring how societal pressures blur the lines between good and evil, and how deeply ingrained fear distorts perception, trust, and ultimately, human connection. Now is the time to question not just the existence of patriarchal power but its long-term psychological and social impact.
CHARACTERS
.jpg)
MAKING of CHUNNI
.jpg)
WE ARE DONE SHOOTING! We filmed Chunni in Delhi, India, with the incredible support of Windlight Studios and an all-women crew. Over the course of three overnight shoots, our team poured heart, sweat, and countless sleepless nights into bringing this story to life. It was an unforgettable experience — one filled with hard work, laughter, and the kind of collaboration that makes filmmaking magic possible. With an amazing cast and crew behind every frame, we are so proud to say the film is fully shot and now in post-production.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Picture is set to lock in the coming week, and we’re thrilled to dive into sound design, color grading on our already striking footage, and subtle VFX that will bring the story’s emotional layers to life. A festival run is planned for 2025-2026, and we can’t wait to share this film with audiences around the world.
But none of these steps are possible without your support. In addition to post-production, we’re raising funds to cover festival submissions and outreach — essential in ensuring Chunni reaches the platforms and audiences it deserves. With your help, we can match the passion and quality we achieved during production and give this film the finish it needs.
" The day a woman can walk freely on the roads at night, that day we can say that India has achieved independence."
-Mahatma Gandhi
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Design
Costs $800
Great sound makes every moment immersive. Your support helps us craft the world of Chunni as powerful as it looks.
Colourist
Costs $700
A professional grade will bring Chunni’s visuals to life, setting the mood and giving the film its final cinematic look.
VFX
Costs $500
Subtle visual effects will enhance Chunni’s world, making key moments seamless, magical, and emotionally resonant on screen.
Film festivals
Costs $1,500
Submitting Chunni to festivals will help us share the story with wider audiences and give the film its best chance to shine.
Editing
Costs $800
Shaping hours of footage into a powerful story, editing gives Chunni its rhythm, emotion, and final narrative voice.
Marketing
Costs $1,000
Getting Chunni seen means posters, trailers, and press outreach—so our story reaches the widest audience possible.
Pay Our Crew
Costs $700
We'd love to pay our stellar crew more. Most worked well below standard rates, while some worked gratis, to make this film a reality
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director: Kaashvi Agarwal
Produced by: Winlight Studios
Writer/Producer: Jiya Bhardwaj
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Set in India, Delhi, "Chunni" follows Avni, a spirited young woman, who is excited for her school reunion, but her joy is dampened when her traditional family forbids her from wearing her short dress. Forced to conform, she reluctantly changes into something more “appropriate,” draping herself in the chunni- a symbol of modesty.
As Avni struggles with her family's expectations and her own desire for personal expression, her brother Ishaan moves freely, preparing to meet his friends.
As the night unfolds, Avni sneaks out of her house and navigates the dimly lit streets. An innocent encounter with a familiar local shopkeeper takes a dark turn when, overwhelmed by fear, she mistakes his kind gesture for an attack. Acting on instinct, she uses her chunni as a weapon.
CONCEPT AND THEME
"Chunni" delves into the conflict between personal freedom and societal constraints, examining how deeply ingrained fear shapes perceptions and actions. The film explores the tension between self-expression and cultural expectations, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of navigating a world where women’s choices are often dictated by unwritten rules of "appropriateness."
Through Avni's journey, Chunni highlights the unspoken rules that govern everyday choices, from clothing to movement, and the consequences of defying these norms. It delves into the psychological weight of living in a world where fear—both imposed and internalized—shapes behavior, forcing individuals to constantly negotiate their autonomy within restrictive environments.
Set against the backdrop of a rigid social structure- Delhi, the story challenges deeply rooted beliefs and exposes the invisible yet powerful forces that dictate women’s lives. Chunni is a reflection on the broader consequences of cultural conditioning, compelling audiences to question the systems that perpetuate control and the cost of breaking free from them.
Discussions on patriarchy and gender-based oppression are not new, but Chunni shifts the focus from simply questioning men’s power to examining the deeper consequences of such a society. While men are privileged within this system, Chunni highlights what it does to women—how it conditions them to live in constant fear, forcing them to view every man as a potential threat, regardless of his intentions.
In a world where women are always on edge, even well-meaning individuals can be perceived as dangers, leading to a cycle where victims, shaped by fear and survival instincts, can become victimizers. Chunni exposes this unsettling reality, exploring how societal pressures blur the lines between good and evil, and how deeply ingrained fear distorts perception, trust, and ultimately, human connection. Now is the time to question not just the existence of patriarchal power but its long-term psychological and social impact.
CHARACTERS
MAKING of CHUNNI
WE ARE DONE SHOOTING! We filmed Chunni in Delhi, India, with the incredible support of Windlight Studios and an all-women crew. Over the course of three overnight shoots, our team poured heart, sweat, and countless sleepless nights into bringing this story to life. It was an unforgettable experience — one filled with hard work, laughter, and the kind of collaboration that makes filmmaking magic possible. With an amazing cast and crew behind every frame, we are so proud to say the film is fully shot and now in post-production.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Picture is set to lock in the coming week, and we’re thrilled to dive into sound design, color grading on our already striking footage, and subtle VFX that will bring the story’s emotional layers to life. A festival run is planned for 2025-2026, and we can’t wait to share this film with audiences around the world.
But none of these steps are possible without your support. In addition to post-production, we’re raising funds to cover festival submissions and outreach — essential in ensuring Chunni reaches the platforms and audiences it deserves. With your help, we can match the passion and quality we achieved during production and give this film the finish it needs.
" The day a woman can walk freely on the roads at night, that day we can say that India has achieved independence."
-Mahatma Gandhi
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Design
Costs $800
Great sound makes every moment immersive. Your support helps us craft the world of Chunni as powerful as it looks.
Colourist
Costs $700
A professional grade will bring Chunni’s visuals to life, setting the mood and giving the film its final cinematic look.
VFX
Costs $500
Subtle visual effects will enhance Chunni’s world, making key moments seamless, magical, and emotionally resonant on screen.
Film festivals
Costs $1,500
Submitting Chunni to festivals will help us share the story with wider audiences and give the film its best chance to shine.
Editing
Costs $800
Shaping hours of footage into a powerful story, editing gives Chunni its rhythm, emotion, and final narrative voice.
Marketing
Costs $1,000
Getting Chunni seen means posters, trailers, and press outreach—so our story reaches the widest audience possible.
Pay Our Crew
Costs $700
We'd love to pay our stellar crew more. Most worked well below standard rates, while some worked gratis, to make this film a reality
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director: Kaashvi Agarwal
Produced by: Winlight Studios
Writer/Producer: Jiya Bhardwaj