Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Dreamers Collective Production, led by writer-director Ashutosh Mishra, has won the Platinum Award in the Vertical Category at the IFP 50-Hour Film Challenge 2026 for its short film Nazar-O-CARam. The achievement marks the team’s second consecutive year of recognition at the festival.
In 2025, the team received a nomination at IFP but did not win an award. Returning in 2026 with a new story, the filmmakers secured the Platinum Award, marking a milestone in their independent filmmaking journey.
Nazar-O-CARam is a comedy that explores the influence of everyday superstitions on Indian life. The film draws humour from familiar beliefs and practices, including reacting to sneezes, avoiding lemon-and-chilli amulets, watching for bad omens and waiting for auspicious timings.
The story follows Vikku, whose attempt to get a car is repeatedly interrupted by situations associated with superstition. As these incidents unfold, he begins to fear that something bad might happen. Through humour, the film explores the role of traditional beliefs in everyday decisions amid a changing India.
Written and directed by Ashutosh Mishra, the film stars Vikash Rathor and Hritika Gupta. The project brought together a team responsible for cinematography, editing, costume styling, production, art and poster design.
The film’s Platinum Award in the Vertical Category at IFP 2026 adds to Dreamers Collective Production’s journey in independent filmmaking and brings recognition to Bhopal’s emerging filmmaking community.
Film Credits
Writer and Director: Ashutosh Mishra
Cast: Vikash Rathor and Hritika Gupta
Project Head: Simran
Assistant Director: Faizal Ahmad
DOP/Cinematographer: Mithilesh Rajput
Chief Editor: Prayanshh Vasnik
Costume Stylist: Ishika Agrawal
Production Heads: Nishchay Dinesh Gurung, Pranav and Krishna Soni
Art/Production: Neelmani Kadwe and Chaitanya Soni
Poster Design: Mohammad Talib