Piyush Mishra starrer documentary short sways Jury at Kollywood International Film Festival

New Delhi: A groundbreaking documentary short starring renowned actor and writer, Piyush Mishra, has won Special Jury Award at the Kollywood International Film Festival. Piyush ji lent his powerful voice to this documentary that captures the lives of Delhi's auto-rickshaw drivers.

Prior to this, ‘Hum Autowaley’ garnered a Finalist nomination at the prestigious Cannes World Film Festival, Jaipur International Film Festival, Melbourne Sidney Lift-off Film Festival and won at Global Independent Film Festival of India (GIFFI). The documentary is a fast paced real-to-reel life feature that presents a raw and poignant portrayal of these everyday heroes.

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The documentary explores the struggles, hopes, and dreams of auto-rickshaw drivers, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of city life. Through Piyush Mishra's compelling narration, the film delves deep into their stories, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their world.

Piyush ji, known for his profound and emotive voice, brings a unique depth to the narrative, making the experiences of these drivers resonate deeply with the audience. The film's selection at Cannes is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the significance of its subject matter.

This documentary not only highlights the challenges faced by these drivers but also celebrates their resilience and spirit. It stands as a powerful reminder of the vital role they play in the urban ecosystem and the need for greater recognition and respect for their contributions.

Directed by Mudit Mathur, this 37-minute documentary takes viewers on an unforgettable ride through the bustling streets of Delhi, showcasing the lives of five charismatic auto-rickshaw drivers, or “autowaley,” who serve as our guides into this vibrant universe. From the crack of dawn till the late hours of the night, we witness the trials, triumphs, and human connections that define the daily grind of these drivers, who, despite being an integral part of Delhi’s fabric, often go unnoticed.

“Originally envisioned as an 8-minute YouTube documentary, the project organically expanded its scope after the first leg of shooting. Little did we know that our journey would lead us to become Finalists at Cannes World Film festival and be defeated by our indian counterpart, Sushil Rao’s ‘Oscar Challagariga! And be able to work with Piyush Sir! We are so thankful to him for being the voice of Autowalas.” says Mudit Mathur as he prepares to release “Hum Autowaley” for public viewing on a global scale. “Hum Autowaley is a testament to the rich and diverse stories waiting to be discovered in the uncharted territories of everyday life.”

“Hum Autowaley” confronts important questions, such as the significant cost disparity between government estimates (4-5 lakhs) and the claims of auto-rickshaw drivers (closer to 9 lakhs) for the vehicles they rely on for their livelihood. It also addresses concerns about the future of this profession, which has faced continuous scrutiny within the transportation system.

Over the years, has the occupation of auto-rickshaw driving been undervalued to the point of saturation, leaving little room for personal and industrial growth? Are these drivers, the backbone of urban transportation, genuinely neglected and overlooked?

The documentary unveils their personal and professional journeys, their dreams, struggles, and aspirations. By doing so, it calls for an understanding that goes beyond the transactional relationship of hailing an auto.

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