Chennai International Film Festival

My Hero

In the vibrant town of Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, a young boy from a backward community works as a tour guide, masking the painful reality of his past. Exiled from his village in Chikamagaluru, Karnataka, for touching a sacred idol—a violation of caste-based traditions—the boy has been living a life of isolation, cut off from his family and community. Meanwhile, an elderly white American, grieving the loss of his grandson, travels to India in search of spiritual peace. On his journey to meet a revered Indian monk, he encounters the boy and is moved by his story. Touched by the boy’s resilience and unjust suffering, the American decides to help him reclaim his life. Together, they embark on a journey to the boy’s native village in Karnataka. There, the American confronts the community’s deep-rooted discrimination and urges them to see beyond caste divisions. Through heartfelt dialogue, he convinces the villagers to embrace the boy, reminding them of the inherent worth in every human being. With his family and community’s acceptance, the boy returns home, and in doing so, both he and the American find healing. The boy’s reunion with his loved ones brings closure to the American’s grief, marking the end of a profound journey of redemption, compassion, and human connection.

Director
Image description
Director Avinash Vijaykumar: born on August 4, 1989, in Bengaluru, developed a passion for cinema when his mother produced a film during his teenage years. He actively participated in theatre with the Spandana group, performing across India in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. In 2015, he earned a diploma in acting from “Actor Prepares” in Mumbai. Despite his entrepreneurial pursuits, Avinash remained dedicated to filmmaking, continuously studying and honing his craft. In 2022, he completed a diploma in filmmaking at the San Francisco Film School, furthering his skills and kno wledge to pursue his dreams in the film industry.
Cast & Crew

Director-Avinash Vijaykumar

Producer-Avinash Vijaykumar

Music-Gagan Baderiya

Cinematography-Forrest Chiras , Venus Murthy

Editorial Department-R. Muthuraj