From patriarchy to power: Shahane’s ‘Loop Line’ to be screened at Dharamsala film fest

After a remarkable run on the international festival circuit, Renuka Shahane’s animated Marathi short film ‘Loop Line’ will be showcased at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) tomorrow. The screening marks another milestone for the film, which had recently won the Best Animation Film Award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF)-2025 — India’s only Oscar-qualifying short film festival — officially placing it in contention for the 2026 Academy Awards.

‘Loop Line’ is a poignant and visually rich exploration of how Indian housewives are often overlooked within traditional, patriarchal families. Set in Mumbai, it follows a middle-aged homemaker trapped in an endless loop of chores and emotional isolation. Her only escape lies in her imagination — until a cruel remark from her husband and his friends drives her into a darkly surreal fantasy, where she envisions serving them brain fritters made from her own mind.

The film, directed by Renuka Shahane, who is known for ‘Rita’ and Netflix’s ‘Tribhanga’, reflects her passion for hand-drawn storytelling and her commitment to expanding animation beyond children’s entertainment.

Renuka, while speaking about the DIFF screening, said, “Loop Line has had a wonderful run at festivals both abroad and in India, and I am very excited about its selection at the DIFF, which I consider one of the best curated festivals in the country. It is a matter of great prestige for my team and me.”

The film’s evocative animation was created by Paperboat Design Studios, co-founded by Soumitra Ranade, Mayank Patel and Aashish Mall. The voice cast includes Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar (Gangubai Kathiawadi) and Anand Alkunte (Despatch, Farzi).

The key crew members include Sound Designer Anmol Bhave (Mee Vasantrao), Music Director Mangesh Dhakde (Bheed, Thappad), Art Director Shailesh Ambre (Bombay Rose) and Animation Director Mahendra Kawale (Gopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya).

With accolades at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival-2024, the Mumbai Short and Documentary Film Festival-2025 and selections at MONSTRA Lisbon and Thessaloniki, ‘Loop Line’ cements its place as one of India’s most significant animated films — a bold reflection on patriarchy, resilience and liberation.