Mumbai: Award-winning advertising filmmaker Titus Upputuru’s latest short film, The Midnight Therapist, has been officially selected by the New York Indie Shorts Awards, an international platform recognised for celebrating excellence in short-form filmmaking and cinematic craft from across the world.
The selection marks another milestone in the film’s growing international festival journey and further reinforces Upputuru’s standing as a storyteller whose work continues to connect with audiences across cultures and geographies.
The recognition was announced alongside the release of the film’s official trailer.
The Midnight Therapist is a dark, emotionally layered psychological drama that unfolds through the unexpected encounter of two men on a transformative night. Exploring themes of despair, connection and hope, the film examines the complexity of human relationships through an intimate narrative.
The project is supported by a haunting original score composed by Micu Patel and performances by Titus Upputuru and Keshav Bhardwaj, whose portrayals bring emotional authenticity and depth to the story. The visual mood and atmospheric treatment have been shaped through the cinematography of Shakil Rehan Khan.
Produced by ADSCII Media and Edworld INC, the film is scheduled for release in India later this year following its international festival circuit.
Speaking on the selection, Titus Upputuru said, “The Midnight Therapist is a geometry of parallel lives, lives that have perhaps never met in human history. It is an important film for India, and we feel really blessed that our film has resonated with the audience in New York, and that the Awards Show has recognised the work and given it a place among the best films from across the world. I am really grateful to God for this honour.”
Edwin Philips, founder Edworld Inc added, “We are absolutely delighted that The Midnight Therapist has been officially selected by the New York Indie Shorts Awards. From the moment Titus shared the idea with us, we believed there was something deeply human and universally relatable at its core. The film explores difficult themes with honesty and sensitivity, and that is what resonated with us from the very beginning.”
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mehdiratta, co-producer ADSCII Media said, “As producers, it has been a privilege to support this journey and watch the story come to life through the dedication of the cast and crew. We are particularly proud of the authenticity that Titus Upputuru and Keshav Bhardwaj bring to their performances, and of the emotional depth that the entire team has achieved. This selection is a wonderful recognition of everyone’s hard work, and we are grateful to have been part of the film’s journey. We look forward to sharing The Midnight Therapist with audiences in India later this year.”
Over the years, Upputuru has earned recognition both as a filmmaker and performer, with his work receiving honours across festivals in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. His storytelling style is known for blending emotional honesty with strong visual narratives centred on the human experience.
The New York Indie Shorts Awards is regarded as an important platform for independent cinema, recognising excellence across directing, acting, writing, cinematography, music, editing and other filmmaking disciplines.
As The Midnight Therapist continues its international festival journey, the upcoming India release is expected to bring its emotionally charged narrative to domestic audiences later this year.
The Midnight Therapist is a short dramatic film starring Titus Upputuru and Keshav Bhardwaj. Produced by ADSCII Media and Edworld INC, the film explores an unexpected encounter between two individuals over one defining night.
Production Companies: ADSCII Media, Edworld INC
Cast: Titus Upputuru, Keshav Bhardwaj
Release: India, 2026
Festival Selection: New York Indie Shorts Awards
