Amusement Park To Cannes Film Festival, What Makes Gudgudi Personal For Director Manisha Makwana - EXCL

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Gudgudi, filmmaker Manisha Makwana put a piece of her heart out there at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Starring Ahsaas Channa in the lead, the short film premiered at the international festival circuit on May 20. In an exclusive interview with Times Now Digital, Manisha revealed what makes Gudgudi a special project for her. Recalling her days working at an amusement park, the filmmaker said the short film draws its inspiration and soul from the colourful chaos of parades and the innocent deception of mascots that magically drive away stress for hours.

Manisha Makwana says Gudgudi is a 'personal' short film

Manisha told Times Now Digital that she is a ‘strong believer in manifestation’ and has always wanted to walk the red carpet ever since Aishwarya Rai did. She promptly clarifies that acting isn’t her cup of tea, but creating Gudgudi and presenting it at Cannes is definitely what she manifested. “I was working at an amusement park long before I started my career in the film industry. The story comes from a very personal experience of all the things that have been observed and worked upon,” she said.

Makwana further recalled, “When I was writing so many stories, I kept coming back to it out of so many experiences - some were borrowed, some were observational, and some were inspired by. Gudgudi felt personal and I didn't think of any better film to start my debut. Something that you do with all honesty, travels very far and Gudgudi is that for me.”

Gudgudi inspired by amusement parks

When asked what makes Gudgudi ‘personal’, Manisha shared, “The story comes from all the observations that I've had in the brief period of time that I've worked there. Every amusement park has this gala parade, and also mascots. The whole mascot community is a very beautiful creation. You stand there, and you laugh at them and they're there and make you happy. But nobody knows what really goes within them.” She remembered coming across an Instagram post about a Bandra mascot, whose son is going through some condition. Located at Mumbai's Bandra Carter Road, he never misses a single day of work, making sure that he's doing his best for his son. "There are so many untold stories like that. We just happen to be one of those untold stories about people, who put up a happy face, but are concealing a lot. Gudgudi is one of those things,” she said. Gudgudi had its market premiere under the Marché du Film segment at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, 2026.