Gudgudi: A Heartfelt Short Film Premieres at Cannes 2026

The short film Gudgudi, featuring Ahsaas Channa and directed by Manisha K Makwana, is set to premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in 2026. With a decade of experience in the industry, Makwana's directorial debut is a personal narrative that blends humor and emotional depth. Co-producer Mukesh Chhabra emphasizes the film's touching storyline, while Channa reflects on her journey from child actor to the international stage. This film represents not just a milestone but the realization of a long-held dream for the cast and crew. Read on to explore the inspiring story behind Gudgudi and its Cannes celebration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 21, 2026, 02:00 IST

Cannes Film Festival Premiere for Gudgudi

Starring Ahsaas Channa and produced by White Peacock Films alongside Mukesh Chhabra, the short film Gudgudi is set to make its market debut at the Marché du Film during the 79th Cannes Film Festival, taking place from May 12 to May 23, 2026.

Marking her directorial debut, Manisha K Makwana brings nearly ten years of experience from working on acclaimed projects such as The Family Man, Farzi, Guns & Gulaabs, and Citadel: Honey Bunny with D2R Films. Her storytelling is deeply rooted in character development and authentic, subtle moments, influenced by her guidance from Raj & DK and writer Suman Kumar.

Reflecting on her film's journey and its Cannes recognition, Manisha expresses, “Gudgudi originates from a deeply personal space for me. Witnessing its evolution and being able to present it on a prestigious platform like Cannes feels incredibly surreal. It embodies the essence of faith, self-confidence, and the significance of sharing genuine narratives.”

Mukesh Chhabra, who co-produces the film, adds, “What makes Gudgudi special is its touching storyline. The moment Purvi and I encountered the script, we were captivated. Our aim was to bring Ahsaas on board to authentically realize Manisha’s vision and highlight the remarkable chemistry between this talented director and actress. The film has turned out beautifully, and I am excited to be part of this journey.”

Ahsaas Channa shares her thoughts on being involved in Gudgudi, stating, “It feels surreal… I began my career as a child actor with a dream, and now that dream is leading me to an international platform like Cannes. This moment is incredibly significant for me; it’s not just a milestone but the realization of a dream I’ve cherished for years.”