Storytelling, Cinema, and Art: Key Filmmaking Takeaways from ‘Man Woman Man Woman’

Short films are where some of the most exciting storytelling happens these days — fresh ideas, real emotions, and bold creativity all packed in a short runtime. One recent gem is “Man Woman Man Woman,” which also happens to be the directorial debut of the legendary Naseeruddin Shah. Made in collaboration with Motley Movies and Trigger Production & Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts, this film isn’t just a heartwarming story — it’s a perfect example of how short films bring together seasoned artists and new talent to create something truly special and accessible. 

At its heart, “Man Woman Man Woman” is a slice-of-life tale. An elderly man (Tarun Dhanrajgir) and woman (Ratna Pathak Shah) connect through a dating app, which surprises and eventually makes their kids (Vivan Shah and Saba Azad), who are also a couple, a little uncomfortable. The film does a great job of showing the funny and complicated moments that happen when their lives overlap, leading to a warm and unexpected ending. 

But beyond the delightful plot, it’s the team’s perception and creative process, particularly influenced by the theatrical ethos of Motley (founded by Naseeruddin Shah, Tom Alter, and Benjamin Gilani), that provide the richest takeaways.

Storytelling: The Eloquence of Simplicity

Naseeruddin Shah, a towering figure in Indian cinema and theatre, shared the inspiration behind this gentle story. “Everyone expected me to create something very gritty and dark,” he mused. Instead, he wove together two real-life anecdotes – a lady finding love in her sixties via a dating service, and a young man struggling to accept his widowed father finding love again – into a “happy story.” This choice reinforces the idea that impactful storytelling often lies in the quiet, everyday moments — it doesn’t need loud drama to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Cinema: Realism as an Aesthetic Choice

The film’s commitment to authenticity is palpable, a conscious decision that shapes its aesthetic and impact.

• No Names, More Reality: Naseeruddin Shah spoke about making a subtle and meaningful choice: intentionally leaving out character names in the film to mirror how people rarely use names in everyday conversations compared to movies. This approach removes a layer of cinematic illusion, helping the audience relate more closely to the characters’ real-life experiences.
• Real Locations, Real Challenges: The team chose to film both outdoor and indoor scenes at real locations with minimal set design, a decision Naseeruddin Shah believes helps the short film stay true to its essence. While this approach adds authenticity, it also brought real-world challenges, such as sudden rainfall that disrupted the shoot. Moments like these, along with the natural city sounds captured during filming, contribute to the film’s rich texture.
• Minimalism is Key: Audiences have responded positively to the simple storytelling, appreciating the lack of unexpected or dramatic twists, the happy-go-lucky charm, and the minimal use of props. This response reinforces the idea that compelling cinema doesn’t need grandiosity to connect with viewers.

Art: The Motley Touch and the Beauty of Brevity

The influence of the Motley Theatre Group’s legacy shines through in the film. Associate Director Imaad Shah explained that the short filmmaking embraced the “DIY atmosphere” typical of theatre, bringing a hands-on, collaborative spirit to the process. This approach extended to production design as well. Ajitesh Gupta, who was involved in scouting locations, shared that the team initially considered various spots but eventually realized that smaller, cozier, and more lived-in sets better captured the intimate atmosphere they wanted to create. This careful attention to space plays a big role in giving the film its warm, personal feel.

The film also breaks away from typical storytelling patterns by giving equal importance to both couples — the elderly pair and their younger children — rather than focusing mainly on the younger generation. Naseeruddin Shah pointed out that this shift challenges the usual age-related tropes and offers a more inclusive, refreshing perspective on love and relationships.

A Symphony of Generations

“Man Woman Man Woman” beautifully showcases how short filmmaking can be a fertile ground for collaboration between industry veterans and younger talent.

Saba Azad, who plays the girlfriend, spoke fondly of working with Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, referring to them as “baba” and “ma.” She appreciated how improvisation on set happened so naturally with seasoned actors like Ratna Pathak Shah, describing the experience as very enriching. This highlights the invaluable mentorship and organic creativity that such collaborations foster.

Tarun Dhanrajgir, who plays the elderly man, recalled reuniting with Naseeruddin Shah after 40 years. During the post-screening discussion, he shared a humorous story about initially mistaking Naseeruddin, and how Naseeruddin, noticing his Hyderabadi accent, decided to incorporate it into the character. Although the role aligned closely with his own happy-go-lucky nature, Dhanrajgir confessed to feeling nervous about living up to Naseeruddin Shah’s expectations, underscoring the ongoing dedication to their craft.

Also Read: Manoranjan: A Short Film on Grief, Humor & Reality

Final Thoughts

“Man Woman Man Woman” is more than just a short film; it’s a masterclass in accessible, heartfelt filmmaking. The team’s insights reveal a commitment to authentic storytelling, an embrace of the short film format’s unique strengths, and the beautiful alchemy that occurs when diverse talents converge. It reminds us that cinema, at its best, reflects the simple, profound, and often quirky truths of human connection, irrespective of age or circumstance. And in today’s world, the ability to tell such stories with minimal resources but maximum heart is a takeaway every aspiring filmmaker should cherish.

For aspiring filmmakers, ‘Man Woman Man Woman’ is a masterclass in making the most of what you’ve got, keeping the focus on real human stories, and trusting the power of a simple, heartfelt narrative. And the big takeaway? As Naseeruddin Shah says, true love knows no age.

Watch ‘Man Woman Man Woman’ now on YouTube at @RoyalStagBarrelSelectShorts. While you’re there, dive into our other amazing short films that breathe life into powerful, human-centered narratives.