Two captivating films, Chingam, helmed by emerging director Abhay Sharma, and The Divine Hustle, are slated for their world premieres at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival in 2025. Audiences can catch Chingam on September 19, 2025, followed by the debut of The Divine Hustle on September 21, 2025.
Sonali Rajkumar Devnani’s The Divine Hustle paints a vivid picture of Khushi and Gopal, two children, and Abhishek, a young father, who adopt the guises of Indian deities to eke out a living amidst crushing poverty. Filmed across the evocative landscapes of Varanasi, Mathura, Pushkar, and Vrindavan, the movie intricately explores the striking paradox of a spiritual world increasingly intertwined with financial exchanges.
Opening against the backdrop of the iconic Kumbh Mela, the film immediately immerses viewers in a profound examination of faith and religion in India. Mahesh Vasnani produced The Divine Hustle, featuring stunning cinematography by Gaurav Bhalerao and Satish Khare, sharp editing by Gasper D’Souza, and an evocative musical score by Neeraj Chouhan and Sanjay Sharma.
Expressing her thoughts on the global premiere of The Divine Hustle at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, director Sonali Rajkumar Devnani shared, “This film tells the story of children and a young father who carry the burden of divine roles, not for worship, but purely for survival. Their painted faces reveal a delicate balance of innocence and exploitation, prompting me to explore the thin boundary separating faith, belief, and urgent human need.”
Transporting viewers to the ethereal misty hills of Himachal Pradesh, Chingam unfolds as a poignant narrative of dreams left unfulfilled and relationships rekindled. The film centers on Ajay (portrayed by Abhay Sharma) and Radhika (played by Swati Nayal), childhood sweethearts whose lives unexpectedly intersect years after their separation.
Their reunion brings forth a complex tapestry of deferred aspirations, dormant memories, and unspoken feelings, compelling them to confront the echoes of their past. Ultimately, Chingam serves as a heartfelt meditation on how the passage of time truly challenges the human heart and the decisions that shape our lives.
Abhay co-authored the screenplay alongside Aryan Singh and Aditya Singh. The ensemble cast features Akhil Sharma, Som, and Dimple Sharma, each delivering crucial performances.
Ajay Reddy K not only produced Chingam but also lent his vision as its creative director. The film’s visual narrative is brought to life by Karthik CS’s cinematography, expertly cut by Joshua George John, and underscored by a moving musical score from Bhavya Thacker.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind Chingam and the creative process, director Abhay Sharma remarked, “I was raised in a land where mountains guard ancient secrets and people silently carry their stories for generations. Chingam is my sincere endeavor to bottle that profound serenity—the lingering bittersweetness of first love, the burden of forgotten ambitions, and the irresistible yearning to revisit the places and feelings we once departed.”