Almari Ka Achaar Wins Big at Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025, Bags Best Short Film Award
Mumbai | July 31, 2025 —Raakesh Rawat’s poignant LGBTQ+ short film Almari Ka Achaar has earned international acclaim after winning the German Star of India Award for Best Short Film at the 22nd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025. The film, which sensitively portrays a same-gender couple navigating social expectations, was selected among several globally appreciated short films, making its win even more significant.
A Story Rooted in Love and Societal Expectations
Almari Ka Achaar centers on the lives of two middle-aged men — portrayed by Manwendra Tripathy and Manoj Sharma — as they navigate their deep emotional bond within the confines of a conservative Indian society. Set in an intimate domestic backdrop, the film delves into themes of hidden love, internalized fear, and the constant tension between personal truth and societal pressure.
Director Raakesh Rawat, who also served as the cinematographer and editor, brings a delicate visual language to the storytelling, using the metaphor of an “almari” (closet) and “achaar” (pickle) to highlight how love, like pickles, can be preserved in secrecy — but longs to be tasted openly.
Director Raakesh Rawat Reacts to the Win
Celebrating the victory on social media, Rawat shared his excitement with followers:
“We won the best short film award from the category, competing with so many beautiful films at @iff.stuttgart | Kudos, team Almaari Ka Achaar ;))”
In an official statement, Rawat expressed both gratitude and a sense of responsibility:
“Winning this award makes me happy. At the same time, it reminds me of the responsibility I now carry to take this film to many more places and do justice to the film we’ve made.”
The recognition adds a major feather to Rawat’s cap, whose directorial debut, Midnight Delhi, was previously awarded Best Editor at the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival 2018 and Best Debut Director at the Rajasthan International Film Festival 2020.
The Creative Forces Behind the Film
While Rawat handled multiple roles in the film’s production, the story, screenplay, and dialogues were penned by Vishal Nahar, whose writing captures the nuances of emotional restraint, societal pressure, and the silent rebellion of love.
The film’s music, composed and sung by Kanish Sharma, adds another layer of emotional depth. On Instagram, Sharma shared her joy:
“Almari Ka Achaar, our short film, has won Best Short Film, German Star of India at IFF Stuttgart, Germany! Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this story to life. Grateful to have contributed as music director and singer!”
Her evocative tunes and vocals complement the film’s themes of longing and quiet resistance.
Representation and Recognition on Global Stage
The Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart has long been a prominent platform for South Asian cinema in Europe, celebrating films that are not only rich in storytelling but also socially relevant. The 2025 edition was no different, with entries focusing on themes ranging from identity and migration to climate change and gender equality.
Almari Ka Achaar stood out for its delicate portrayal of a marginalized love story — one that is rarely explored in Indian cinema, especially through the lens of older protagonists. The film’s success at an international festival not only underscores its cinematic merit but also highlights the increasing global appetite for authentic South Asian LGBTQ+ narratives.
A Metaphor That Resonates
The title Almari Ka Achaar is layered with meaning. “Almari” — the cupboard — symbolizes secrecy and suppression, while “achaar” — the pickle — is something that matures over time, growing more potent when hidden. Together, they evoke the central theme of the film: love hidden away, aged by time, aching to be accepted.
This metaphor has struck a chord with global audiences, offering a culturally specific yet universally relatable exploration of same-gender love, age, and societal constraint.
The Road Ahead for Rawat and the Film
With this international accolade, Almari Ka Achaar is expected to travel to more film festivals across the globe. Director Raakesh Rawat has expressed a strong commitment to ensuring the story reaches wider audiences — both within India and internationally.
There are also growing calls from fans and industry insiders for the film to be made available on a streaming platform, given its timely relevance and strong storytelling.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
With Almari Ka Achaar, Raakesh Rawat has crafted more than just a film — he’s told a truth rarely spoken in Indian cinema, that love does not expire with age, nor should it be hidden. Its win at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025 is not just a celebration of filmmaking but of courage, representation, and empathy.
As Indian cinema continues to diversify its narratives, Almari Ka Achaar stands as a testament to the power of intimate storytelling, bold themes, and independent vision.
Stay tuned with TheTrendingPeople.com for more updates on indie gems, festival winners, and stories that shape cinema.