KadhaiClub Digital Arrest Film Contest Recognises Emerging Vertical Storytelling Talent
Chennai: KadhaiClub, the vertical cinema community by Kadhaishorts, has announced the winners of its Digital Arrest Vertical Micro Film Contest, an initiative aimed at identifying emerging creators and encouraging short-form storytelling around socially relevant issues.
The contest, launched in July 2026, invited aspiring filmmakers and creators to produce a 60-second vertical micro film based on the theme of digital arrest scams. The initiative received 23 entries from creators exploring the issue through mobile-first storytelling.
Srikavin Wins ₹50,000 Cash Prize
Following the evaluation, Srikavin, an aspiring filmmaker, writer and director, was declared the winner and received a ₹50,000 cash prize.
Srikavin, who began making short films while studying in Class 10, has continued to develop his filmmaking skills through independent projects. His winning entry was recognised for its narrative, treatment of the digital arrest scam issue and use of the vertical format.
The entries were evaluated by a jury comprising Bipin Raghu, Head Writer, Kadhaishorts; Kiiran Ashok, Community Head, Kadhaishorts; and Arjun Prakash, Social Media Lead, KadhaiClub.
The jury assessed the films based on originality, storytelling, creative execution, production quality and understanding of the vertical micro-drama format.
Two Other Creators Recognised
Abisheik Ganeshan, an architect and multidisciplinary artist, and Rathina Kumar, an independent filmmaker, documentary filmmaker, AI filmmaker and cinematographer from Chennai, were also recognised for their submissions.
The shortlisted works presented different approaches to the issue of digital arrest scams and used short-form storytelling to communicate the subject to mobile audiences.
Winners Invited to Pitch for KadhaiClub Originals
In addition to the cash prize and recognition, the three creators have been invited to pitch original concepts under KadhaiClub Originals.
The opportunity will allow them to explore potential collaborations with Kadhaishorts and develop their ideas into original vertical productions.
Speaking about the initiative, Sabarish Venkat, CEO, Kadhaishorts, said the Digital Arrest Vertical Micro Film Contest was intended to provide creators with an opportunity to experiment with vertical storytelling while addressing socially relevant subjects.
Contest Builds on Digital Arrest Awareness Theme
The contest follows Kadhaishorts’ earlier focus on digital arrest scams through The Outlaws, a vertical micro drama launched earlier this year that highlighted the growing threat posed by such scams.
Through the Digital Arrest Vertical Micro Film Contest, creators were encouraged to interpret the issue from their own perspectives and storytelling styles.
The initiative is part of KadhaiClub’s ongoing activities involving creator contests, collaborations and original vertical productions aimed at supporting emerging storytellers in India’s vertical entertainment space.
