LUDO of a dice and a decision - the first micro film to release on WhatsApp!

LUDO of a dice and a decision, a short film sets a new precedent for the film fraternity by being the first micro film to release on WhatsApp. The film aims to break the stereotypical mindset towards women.

LUDO is presented by Colour Bar Entertainment in association with Spotlight. The film written and directed by Faraz Ali is based on a conversation between two cab drivers over a game of LUDO. Sharib Hashmi, renowned actor of the Nation Award winning movie Filmistaan, plays the protagonist who engages his fellow taxi driver, played by BhushanVikas, in a titillating tale of a night drive with a female passenger. Actor Sharib Hashmi says, “The story has a powerful message that needed to be voiced. I’m proud to be part of this film.”  Prior to Ludo of a dice and a decision, Sharib has played the lead in Colour Bar Entertainment’s short film ‘Mehrooni’.

Considering the manner in which content is being consumed today where parallel browsing across platforms seems to be the norm, the makers of ‘LUDO of a dice and a decision’, decided to explore WhatsApp as its medium of release.

Speaking on the film’s distribution strategy, Faraz Ali, Writer &Director of ‘LUDO of a dice and a choice’ shares, “It was an experiment that worked. As WhatsApp is also ‘choice viewing’ there was a fair chance we would fall flat on our faces. Within two hours of releasing the film on WhatsApp we received over 5,000 requests to see the film. We didn’t anticipate such an overwhelming response. And the dice is still rolling.”

Giving in to popular demand the movie’s Youtube video was released on Saturday and as on Sunday evening it listed 39 among 200 Popular Youtube videos in India. As on Monday the film ranks 27^th.  As on Monday, LUDO has received over 45,000 views on Youtubesince its release on Saturday. In addition entertainment channel 9XE shared LUDO on its Facebook fanpage and until Sunday (31st May)  has clocked around 16,000 views.

Simultaneously, the production house held its first screening at a community center in Mumbai for cab and auto drivers. This is part of the on-ground initiative the filmmakers are undertaking with the support of cab agencies.

Abbas Syed, Producer of ‘LUDO of a dice and a decision’ says, “LUDO of a dice and a decision is close to our hearts. During the screening at the community center a common emotional echoed among the audience - this micro film is worth sharing! It motivates us to continue to taking this initiative forward.”

The distribution and promotion of ‘LUDO of a dice and a decision’ will happen in a phased manner across multiple cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata through cab associations.

Additionally, to engage with the audience, various social support groups/individuals will drive a campaign that will motivate people to share their ‘heroic story’. The campaign will focus on drivers who have been good Samaritans.