The short film Bobby Beauty Parlour, presented by acclaimed filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap, has received strong praise from critics following its release. The 19-minute movie, which tells the story of two childhood friends spending their last afternoon together, has been called a “warm hug and a punch to the gut at the same time” by the Hindustan Times, which gave it a 4 out of 5 star rating. The film debuted on August 6, 2026, as part of Friendship Week on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel.
Directed by Shashwat Dwivedi, the movie captures the bittersweet feelings of growing up and drifting apart from close friends. Critics have praised its honest storytelling, natural performances, and ability to make viewers feel a range of emotions in a short amount of time.
A Simple Story Set Inside a Beauty Parlour
The movie takes place entirely inside the Bobby beauty parlour in Noida, on the hottest day of the year. It follows two teenage friends, Eelu (played by Adrija Sinha) and Manu (played by Parul Rana). Manu works at the parlour and is preparing to leave the city for her engineering studies. Eelu is heartbroken about her friend leaving and feels torn between being happy for her and feeling left behind in a city she does not want to be in.
When the salon owner suffers a heatstroke, the two friends find themselves stranded inside the parlour. What starts as an afternoon of dancing, gossiping, and reminiscing slowly turns into an emotional farewell. Deeper insecurities, ambitions, and fears come to the surface as they spend their final hours together drinking, napping, and bickering. The arrival of Arun (Saksham Raj) shifts the mood further, forcing both women to face realities they had momentarily forgotten.
Critics Praise the Film’s Honest Storytelling
The Hindustan Times review describes the film as a “bittersweet ode to small-town aspirations and friendships” that is “poignant, relatable, nostalgic, and tragic, all in the space of 20 minutes”. The review highlights director Shashwat Dwivedi’s ability to ground the film in reality and keep it moving naturally.
“The emotions are real, the dialogue is very natural, and the narrative flows easily. The film keeps you engaged and makes you feel as if you have watched a well-rounded story, the ultimate achievement for a short.”
The performances of the two lead actors have also received praise. Critics note that you see past the actors and into the characters they play. Their ability to make the characters relatable and likeable in such a short time is commendable.
Outlook India’s review calls it a “tender coming-of-age tale about friendship, freedom and growing apart”. The review notes that the film refuses to simplify its central relationship, leaving room for multiple interpretations.
“Is this simply the heartbreak of childhood friends drifting apart? Is one of them carrying feelings she cannot express? Or is this fundamentally about watching someone else escape a life you know you will never leave? The film never insists on one answer, and that restraint becomes one of its greatest strengths.”
The Actors Bring the Characters to Life
Adrija Sinha delivers a natural performance as Eelu. She embodies someone standing at the threshold of adulthood, excited by the possibilities waiting beyond her hometown while remaining emotionally tied to the life she is preparing to leave behind.
Parul Rana plays the more emotionally demanding role of Manu. Manu spends most of the film wearing a smile that barely hides what she already knows. Her future has, in many ways, already been decided. Rana captures that helplessness with subtlety. By the closing moments, her grief feels larger than simply losing a friend. It becomes the mourning of an entire future that will never belong to her.
ETV Bharat’s review notes that the film will connect with anyone who has either left home to chase bigger dreams or stayed behind watching people move on. It understands both sides – the person leaving knows such friendships are difficult to find again, while the one staying back has to live with reminders of what has changed.
A Team Effort Behind the Camera
The film is produced by Janhavi Asthana, who also co-wrote the screenplay and served as the film’s cinematographer. She is listed in the credits as producer, DOP, writer, and makeup artist. Critics have praised her cinematography, noting that by keeping the shots tight and focused on the two protagonists, she invites you into their world.
Ranjan Singh also produces the project, while Anurag Kashyap has curated the film for the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel. The music composer duo Vishal – Chayan adds charm to the film by effectively using Baba Bulleh Shah’s classic Sufi gem, Ve Mahiya Tere Vekhan Nu.
How Two Top Filmmakers Came on Board
Director Shashwat Dwivedi did not initially plan to have presenters for his film. A casual meeting with his mentor Anurag Kashyap led to the filmmaker joining the short film as a presenter. When Kashyap and co-producer Ranjan Singh showed the film to Imtiaz Ali, he liked the friendship drama so much that he decided to attach his name to it.
Having two top filmmakers lend their names to his short is beyond Dwivedi’s imagination, especially since he embarrassed himself in front of Ali not long ago.
“Three or four years ago when I was Anurag sir’s DA [director’s assistant], Imtiaz sir visited him. Anurag sir was making fun of me, introducing me as a crazy fan while I was just cringing and embarrassing myself. At that point, I didn’t think that both of them would present my film one day.”
Imtiaz Ali shared his thoughts on the film in a statement.
“The most spectacular moments of life don’t scream, but remain a part of our character forever. It is such moments that make ‘Bobby Beauty Parlour’ charming. The film got me remembering my own small hometown, my adolescent decisions and friends that I always carried with me.”
Anurag Kashyap described the film as a “simple story, simply told”.
“About friendship, aspirations and growing up. And the best part is the producer Janhavi is also the co-writer and shot the film. The director Shashwat, is someone that started out with me whose growth has been so much and feels so personal.”
Dwivedi said making the film had been an amazing experience for him.
“Bobby Beauty Parlour has been an amazing experience for me, especially because of the people involved in it. I’m glad the film is releasing on YouTube, given I’ve learnt so much of my filmmaking through the platform, it feels good to give something back for a change.”
He added that it is tough to believe that two of his favorite filmmakers are presenting the film, both of whom have had a great impact on his life.
“I really hope it reaches a wide audience and people start missing their friends after watching it.”
Also Read:
The Film Has Already Traveled to Festivals
Bobby Beauty Parlour was previously featured as an official selection at prominent independent film events, including the Dharamshala International Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA). Dwivedi based the story loosely on his own teenage years and the bittersweet anxieties of entering adulthood.
“Bobby Beauty Parlour is a reflection of the confused teenage years of my life. Like my characters, I was also hopeful and excited, but also clueless. I made this film to capture the anxiety of growing up and the cost one pays for it.”
He described the film as his attempt to turn the lens to something more delicate, something no one else is looking at – childhood.
“The intention behind the film was to tell a story that otherwise may remain unsaid if not made today and the way we made it. My team has been a rock-solid support, and we have all added elements from our childhood and inputs about the days that have gone by. Bobby Beauty Parlour is a letter to my younger self who, much like my present self, had no idea how his life would turn out to be.”
Where to Watch Bobby Beauty Parlour
Bobby Beauty Parlour is now available to stream on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel. The film was released at midnight on August 6, 2026, as part of Friendship Week celebrations. The nearly 19-minute short film can be watched for free on the platform.
Also Read: Comedian Samay Raina Donates Rs 10 Lakh to Assam Flood Relief, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Thanks Him
For more updates on new film releases, short films, and exclusive content from the world of entertainment, keep following VvipTimes for the latest news and reviews.
Leave a Reply