Harsh Humnekar, Ratin Mohan, Aamir Husain

A team of exceptionally talented students from the School of Design at UPES, comprising Harsh Humnekar, Ratin Mohan, and Aamir Husain, achieved a milestone by winning the Platinum Award for their short film "PUKAAR" in the 50-Hour Filmmaking Challenge. This international competition is known for its rigorous timeline, requiring participants to conceptualize, script, shoot, edit, and deliver a film within just 50 hours. 

The team’s film stood out for its compelling narrative, innovative animation techniques, and seamless integration of visual effects, which resonated strongly with the judges and audience alike. Their dedication, creativity, and ability to work under intense time constraints showcased not only their technical prowess but also their ability to tell impactful stories through the medium of animation and VFX. 

Guided by Prof. Vivek Kumar Pandey from the Department of Animation and VFX, the students received invaluable mentorship that helped them refine their storytelling approach and technical execution. This achievement underscores the importance of experiential learning at UPES, where students are encouraged to engage in real-world challenges to sharpen their skills and gain industry exposure. 

The success of "PUKAAR" highlights the collaborative spirit, innovation, and artistic excellence fostered within the School of Design. It reflects the high standards of the B.Des Animation and VFX program, emphasizing the university's commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals who can excel in competitive, real-world environments.