“Men’s Day feels complete only when we celebrate the women who make us better,” says filmmaker Anirban Ray
MUSCAT, Oman — The sixth edition of the acclaimed Video Haiku series was unveiled on Saturday evening at Pizza Modo, Darsait, Muscat, in a gathering that combined art, cinema, and community over a warm, intimate setting. The short film, launched to mark International Men’s Day, received an enthusiastic response from a distinguished audience.
Created by filmmaker Anirban Ray and his team, Video Haiku–6 continues the series’ signature style of capturing everyday human stories through cinematic visual poetry. This latest, unnamed film pays homage to men who quietly exemplify resilience, love, instinct, and protectiveness—while also honoring the women who shape, support, and complete their journeys.
“It’s not a gender war. Men’s Day feels complete only when we celebrate the women who make us better,”
— Anirban Ray, Director
A Poetic Tribute Told Through Four Everyday Moments
Inspired by the rhythm and aesthetic of early Russian cinema, the seven-minute film unfolds as a musical montage of four vignettes—each portraying a deeply relatable slice of life. From a husband’s simple gesture of affection to a father bridging distance with technology, the film highlights the quiet heroism that often goes unnoticed.
The cast features Manisha, Manish, Antara Bose, Freddy, Subash Krishnan, Sanya, Dr. Preeti, Jaison, Vinod, Vishal, and Lovel, each bringing authenticity and warmth to their roles.
Distinguished Guests Praise the Film
Chief Guest Chandrasekr Iyer Parameswaran (Chandra), Group General Manager of Jawad Sultan Group, commended the team for presenting an emotionally rich subject that underscores the relationship between men and women.
The project was supported by Purshottam Kanji Exchange, Oman’s oldest exchange house, established in 1920. Its General Manager Supin James shared a message of appreciation, praising the team’s creativity and reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting meaningful artistic work.
Marketing Manager Vivek Vargheese, accompanied by colleague Rashid, attended the event and joined the audience in applauding the film’s heartfelt message.
Media professionals, writers, and creatives—including Erin, Annie Kurien, Sudipta Das, Antara Bose, Maggie Jeans, and Yemeni architect Saima—also expressed admiration for the film’s nuanced portrayal of characters and relationships.
Masterful Direction and Editing
Ray’s direction—combining three distinct events across various locales—was widely praised for its seamless editing and mastery of craft. Notably, a touching moment featuring actor Subash Krishnan as a father missing his daughter studying in India drew emotional responses from the audience.
A Message That Resonates
Sunil D’Souza, CEO of ONEIC Group, described the film as “speechless in its impact,” noting how it manages to convey a powerful social message within a short runtime.
Reiterating the heart of the project, Director Ray emphasized that International Men’s Day is not a competition between genders but an opportunity to appreciate the mutual support that enriches each other’s lives.
Watch the Film
Video Haiku–6 is available online:
Movie Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITqFw04od5w
By Vinod Raghavan