Anurag Kashyap and Vasan Bala Present Mumbai Cab Thriller ‘Aakhri Ride’ for Halloween Release (EXCLUSIVE)

The high-stakes thriller is scheduled to make its global release on October 31, perfectly timed for Halloween. Audiences worldwide will be able to stream the film on Oh Short Flips, a popular YouTube channel curated and overseen by Anurag Kashyap himself, providing a prominent platform for boundary-pushing independent Indian cinema.

At its core, "Aakhri Ride" follows a Mumbai ride-share driver who navigates the nocturnal labyrinth of the bustling metropolis. While dealing with the relentless pressures of urban survival, he encounters a terrifying escalation of events that tests his sanity and endurance. The film features a strong ensemble cast, starring Chandan Roy, widely recognized for his acclaimed work in "Panchayat," and Aamir Dalvi, known for "Kennedy." They are joined by Faisal Malik, another standout talent from "Panchayat," adding further acting weight to the tight, suspenseful narrative.

Behind the camera, the production brings together an experienced team of industry heavyweights. Ranjan Singh, Vishesh Agrawal, Rajan EPK, and Anurag Kashyap served as producers on the project. The film was backed by Navaras Pictures in association with Plexus Motion Pictures and Flip Films, reflecting a collaborative effort to champion bold independent voices in the Indian film ecosystem.

For Kashyap, supporting the debut directors was a natural progression of a long-standing professional relationship. The acclaimed director revealed that he has worked closely with Vijesh Rajan and Yashoda Parthasarthy since the monumental days of "Gangs of Wasseypur."

"I have always believed they are excellent storytellers with a unique visual language," Kashyap said of the filmmaking duo. "So when they finally decided to turn writer-directors, it was an easy decision to back them. And now, I am quite excited to see the audience’s response to their first film — ‘Aakhri Ride,’ when it releases on Halloween Day."

Vasan Bala echoed this high praise, highlighting Vijesh Rajan’s storied background in visual effects. Bala recalled how filmmaker Srinivas had originally introduced him and his colleagues to Rajan, whom they affectionately regarded as a "Wiz Kid."

"We were always in awe of what he could do with his VFX skills, but there was always a sensitive and fun storyteller in him," Bala noted. "When he and Yashoda went to make the film, we all rooted for them. I was beyond excited to watch their short film. It’s sharp, fun, quirky, and with a beating heart. So coming on board was a nanosecond decision, a no-brainer."

The genesis of "Aakhri Ride" stems from the directors’ own lived experiences navigating the sprawling landscape of Mumbai. Rajan and Parthasarthy traced the central concept back to long taxi rides home after late-night meetings scattered across the city. These quiet, reflective journeys planted the seeds for a narrative exploring the invisible boundaries of urban isolation.

"We’d be sitting in the back seat, talking about work or sitting in silence, while the driver was often carrying a completely different world on his phone: family back home, money worries, things we may never fully know," the directors explained. "We began to notice an invisible social divide: we were enjoying the comfort of being driven home, while he was trying to make ends meet. We shared a small space, but knew so little about each other’s lives."

Determined to examine this socioeconomic gap through an unconventional lens, the creators blended elements of horror and dark comedy. The protagonist is a man so heavily burdened by the crushing weight of daily financial and personal problems that he fails to recognize the ominous nature of what he has picked up.

"We hope viewers laugh, get spooked, and maybe think a little about the person driving them home," the directors added, summarizing the thematic ambitions of their debut project.

Before its wide digital release, "Aakhri Ride" built significant momentum on the global festival circuit, earning critical acclaim and a reputation as a standout genre short. The film’s journey began in the Short Film Market Picks at the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. From there, it secured official selections at three major genre events: BIFAN in Bucheon, the Fantasia International Film Festival, and Fantastic Fest.

The film’s extensive festival run extended to numerous Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying events and international showcases. Its circuit included the Florida Film Festival, Austin After Dark, Wench, Fantaspoa, and specialized festivals in Rhode Island and San Jose. Internationally, it screened at Italy’s Absurd Film Festival, France’s Red Movie Awards, the Cannes Indie Shorts, and the New York Indie Shorts Awards, establishing its resonance across diverse cultural and cinematic landscapes.

This extensive touring culminated in notable award wins and recognitions. At the Fantasia International Film Festival, "Aakhri Ride" captured the Silver Audience Award for Best Asian Short. Additionally, it picked up the Best Film accolade at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, won Best Indian Short at the Indo Dubai International Film Festival, and finished as the second runner-up at BISFF.

With its upcoming October 31 release on Oh Short Flips, the multi-awarded thriller is now poised to reach a broad international digital audience, bringing the distinctive vision of Rajan and Parthasarthy—backed by the considerable clout of Kashyap and Bala—directly to screens worldwide.