KadhaiClub Discovers Emerging Vertical Storytelling Talent Through Digital Arrest Film Challenge
~Chennai filmmaker Rathina Kumar wins ₹50,000 as KadhaiClub’s creator initiative identifies promising voices in India’s fast-growing vertical entertainment ecosystem
Chennai, 25th August, 2026: Strengthening its efforts to nurture a thriving community of vertical storytellers, KadhaiClub, the vertical cinema community by Kadhaishorts, today honoured the winners of its Digital Arrest Vertical Micro Film Contest. The initiative recognised creators who leveraged the emerging vertical format to transform the growing menace of digital arrest scams into compelling, mobile-first stories that combine creativity with social awareness.
Launched in July 2026, the contest invited aspiring filmmakers and creators to create a 60-second vertical micro film around the theme of digital arrest, challenging them to combine creative storytelling with social awareness. The initiative received 23 entries, reflecting the growing interest among emerging creators in experimenting with vertical cinema and using the format to engage audiences around socially relevant issues.
The entries were evaluated by an eminent jury comprising Mr Bipin Raghu, Head Writer, Kadhaishorts, Mr Kiiran Ashok, Community Head, Kadhaishorts and Mr Arjun Prakash, Social Media Lead, Kadhaihsorts, who assessed each film on originality, storytelling, creative execution, production quality and its understanding of the vertical micro drama format. The diverse submissions brought varied creative perspectives to the theme, with the strongest entries standing out for their ability to translate a complex cybercrime issue into engaging and accessible short-form narratives.
Following a closely contested evaluation, Mr Srikavin, an aspiring filmmaker, writer and director with a keen interest in realistic storytelling, was declared the winner of the Digital Arrest Vertical Micro Film Contest and awarded the ₹50,000 cash prize. Having begun making short films as early as Class 10, Srikavin has honed his craft through independent filmmaking projects. His winning film stood out for its compelling narrative, authentic treatment of the subject and creative use of the vertical format to deliver a powerful message on the growing threat of digital arrest scams.
The jury also recognised Mr Abisheik Ganeshan, an architect and multidisciplinary artist, and Mr Rathina Kumar, an independent filmmaker, documentary filmmaker, AI Filmmaker and cinematographer from Chennai, for their exceptional submissions, which reflected the growing depth of creative talent within India’s emerging vertical storytelling community. Together, the winning entries demonstrated how powerful storytelling can simplify complex cybercrime issues into engaging, relatable narratives that resonate with today’s mobile-first audiences.
Beyond the cash prize, the contest also serves as a platform for creator development. As part of KadhaiClub’s commitment to nurturing promising storytellers, all three recognised creators have been invited to pitch original concepts under KadhaiClub Originals, offering them an opportunity to collaborate with Kadhaishorts and transform their ideas into original vertical productions.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sabarish Venkat, CEO, Kadhaishorts, said: “At KadhaiClub, our vision goes beyond creating a platform for vertical storytelling. We are committed to nurturing a vibrant creator ecosystem by enabling filmmakers to experiment with the format, tell meaningful stories and access opportunities that help them grow. The Digital Arrest Vertical Micro Film Contest reflects this vision by bringing together social impact and creative storytelling, while discovering promising talent that can shape the future of vertical entertainment.”
The contest builds on Kadhaishorts’ commitment to using vertical storytelling for meaningful conversations. Earlier this year, the platform launched The Outlaws, a vertical micro drama highlighting the growing threat of digital arrest scams. Extending this focus, the contest encouraged creators to interpret the issue through their own storytelling styles. Through KadhaiClub, Kadhaishorts continues to nurture emerging vertical storytellers through contests, creative collaborations and original productions, while building a vibrant ecosystem for mobile-first entertainment and socially relevant storytelling.
About KadhaiClub: KadhaiClub is the creator community by Kadhaishorts, dedicated to educating, empowering and connecting creators in the evolving world of vertical storytelling. Through workshops, creative collaborations, contests and original productions, the platform enables aspiring and established filmmakers to experiment with vertical cinema, develop their craft and become part of India’s growing vertical entertainment ecosystem.
