Chapter 67: The Birth of Frames of Vision
The Birth of Frames of Vision – A New Dawn for Creativity
The buzz around Arjun's new production company, Frames of Vision, spread like wildfire throughout the industry. News outlets, trade publications, and even television channels began covering this unique initiative. An established filmmaker who had just delivered a massive success at the box office was now taking a different route—investing in small, experimental films made by young creators. It was unheard of in Bollywood's competitive landscape, where most big names stuck to high-budget projects and safe storytelling.
In the weeks following the announcement, Arjun found himself inundated with calls and emails from journalists and industry insiders, all wanting to know more about Frames of Vision. Questions poured in: "Why choose this path after the success of Whispers of Jaisalmer?" "How will the funding work?" "Who is eligible to submit scripts?" Arjun handled the media attention with grace and clarity, explaining his vision time and again.
Arjun (speaking to a leading film magazine):
"Frames of Vision is about creating opportunities for voices that often go unheard. There's so much untapped talent out there, and I want to give it a platform. It's not about making a profit—it's about making a difference."
He went on to explain that the initial budget for Frames of Vision was set at ₹2 crore, a significant portion of the money he had earned from Whispers of Jaisalmer. This amount would be spread across multiple small-budget projects, each with its own unique vision and story.
Arjun (to the interviewer):
"We'll be focusing on short films and featurettes to start with. The budget for each film will vary depending on its scope and needs, but no project will exceed ₹50 lakh. I want the creators to understand the value of every rupee spent and learn how to make impactful films with limited resources."
The First Script Selection – Dhoop Ka Saaya
It wasn't long before the review committee had its first breakthrough. Priya Menon's script, Dhoop Ka Saaya, had unanimously impressed the committee members. It was a simple yet profound story about a young girl, her aging grandmother, and their struggle to hold onto their roots as the world around them changed. The narrative was tender and filled with nuanced emotion, showcasing Priya's deep understanding of human relationships.
When Arjun called Priya to share the news, she couldn't believe it. She had been waiting anxiously for weeks, her heart torn between hope and self-doubt. Sitting in the tiny room she shared with her family in a slum in Dharavi, she took a deep breath and answered the call.
Arjun (voice full of warmth):
"Priya, I'm happy to tell you that Dhoop Ka Saaya has been selected for production under Frames of Vision."
There was a long pause. Arjun could hear her trying to compose herself on the other end of the line.
Priya (voice trembling):
"Sir… are you serious? This is really happening?"
Arjun (smiling):
"Yes, Priya. It's happening. Your story touched all of us. It's beautiful, and we want to bring it to life. Congratulations!"
Priya felt her hands shaking. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to find the right words.
Priya:
"Thank you, sir. I… I don't know what to say. This means everything to me."
Arjun:
"You've earned it, Priya. Your script is powerful. We're going to make it just as beautiful on screen as it is on paper. And listen, there's something else I want to talk to you about…"
Priya held her breath as Arjun continued.
Arjun:
"As a part of this selection, you'll be receiving ₹2 lakh as a script fee. This is your money, Priya, to support you as you take on this project. Use it however you need, whether it's for your family or for yourself."
There was silence on the other end. Priya's thoughts raced. Two lakh rupees. It was a fortune for her, more than she could have imagined earning in years, let alone receiving in one go. It meant she could help her parents, who had been struggling to pay off debts after her father's injury rendered him unable to work. It meant they could finally get a decent roof over their heads. It meant a new beginning.
Priya (choking on her words):
"Sir, this… this is too much. I don't know how to thank you."
Arjun (softly):
"You don't need to thank me, Priya. You earned this. This is just the start. I want you to focus on your craft and tell your story with all your heart. That's the best way you can repay me."
Priya's Backstory – The Struggle to Dream
Born and raised in the labyrinthine alleys of Dharavi, Priya's life had never been easy. Her father, once a factory worker, had met with an accident that left him bedridden, and her mother took up odd jobs to keep the family afloat. Priya, the eldest of three siblings, had always been a dreamer. But in a world where survival was the only priority, dreams often felt like a luxury she couldn't afford.
Despite their circumstances, Priya was determined to get an education. She excelled in school, her love for literature growing with every passing year. Books became her escape—her way of finding meaning amidst the chaos of her surroundings. Her teachers noticed her talent for storytelling and encouraged her to write. Slowly, she began crafting short stories, pouring her heart and soul into them.
But when her father's condition worsened, Priya was forced to drop out of college and take up a job at a small printing press to support her family. Writing, once her solace, became a distant memory. It wasn't until Arjun's NGO started offering filmmaking workshops in the area that her passion was reignited.
Priya first heard about Arjun's workshop through a community flyer. It seemed like a world away from her reality, an opportunity meant for those with better means and more time on their hands. But something about the description drew her in. Arjun was described as a director known for breaking boundaries and challenging the status quo. He was someone who had emerged from humble beginnings himself and was now giving back to the community that had nurtured his growth.
Priya (remembering her thoughts from back then):
"Maybe… just maybe, this is my chance."
Gathering every ounce of courage, she applied for the workshop. She vividly recalled the day she walked into the training room for the first time, her palms sweating and heart pounding. The room was filled with other aspirants, some older and more experienced, others brimming with confidence. Priya, in her modest salwar-kameez and uncertain demeanor, felt completely out of place.
But then Arjun entered the room with his warm smile and genuine interest in every individual present. He took time to speak to each participant, asking about their backgrounds and what they wanted to achieve through the workshop. When it was Priya's turn, she stammered through her introduction, feeling inadequate and small. Yet, Arjun's eyes never wavered from hers. He listened intently, nodding as she spoke about her love for storytelling and the dreams she had once harbored.
Arjun (back then, smiling):
"Don't worry about your past experiences or lack thereof, Priya. All you need is passion and the willingness to learn. We'll take care of the rest."
His words lit a fire in her. Over the next few weeks, Priya dedicated herself to the workshop. She learned about scriptwriting, storyboarding, character development, and the technical aspects of filmmaking. It was a world she had only imagined in dreams, now unfolding before her eyes. For the first time in years, Priya felt a sense of purpose beyond mere survival.
Creating Dhoop Ka Saaya was the culmination of her journey in the workshop. She poured her heart into the script, drawing from her own experiences and emotions. When she submitted it, she didn't dare to hope that it would be selected. But now, standing at the threshold of this new opportunity, Priya knew that joining Arjun's workshop had been the best decision of her life.
Receiving the Money and Moving Forward
Two days after the call, Priya was invited to the Frames of Vision office to sign the official contract and receive her script fee. She entered the small yet sophisticated office, her nerves on edge. The walls were adorned with film posters and inspirational quotes—everything about the place radiated hope and creativity.
Arjun welcomed her warmly, introducing her to the staff and showing her around. As they sat down in the meeting room, he handed her a small envelope.
Arjun:
"Here it is, Priya. Your script fee. This is just the beginning. Use it wisely, and know that we're here to support you throughout this journey."
Priya hesitated before taking the envelope, her hands trembling slightly. She had never seen so much money in her life. She clutched it tightly, her mind racing with thoughts of how this would change things for her family.
Priya:
"Thank you, sir. I'll make sure I don't let you down."
Arjun (smiling):
"You won't, Priya. I have complete faith in you."
With the money in hand and a contract that guaranteed full support for her film, Priya felt a surge of determination. This was her chance to prove herself, to
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