Award-winning filmmaker Dheeraj Jindal has teamed up with Uri: The Surgical Strike actor Akashdeep Arora and Maharani fame actress Anushka Kaushik for a heartfelt short film, Momo Deal. The project, already buzzing on the international festival circuit, premiered on August 8, 2025 on Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts — perfectly timed around Friendship Day.
Known for hard-hitting narratives like Netflix’s Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer, Jindal steps into gentler yet equally stirring territory with Momo Deal, blending themes of friendship, grief, and humour in a way that resonates long after the credits roll.
A Story of Loss, Love, and Late-Night Jaipur Streets
The film follows Naman, a reserved young man whose world is upended by the sudden death of his best friend, Mahima. In a surreal twist, he finds himself spending one last night with Mahima’s ghost, honouring her final wish to share a plate of momos in the vibrant streets of Jaipur. What unfolds is a tender, whimsical journey through love, loss, and the unspoken words we wish we’d said sooner.
“This film touches on a raw nerve of friendship,” says Jindal. “It’s a light-hearted take on an otherwise grim subject, exploring how far we’d go for the people we love — even after they’re gone.”
Kaushik describes the story as one that ventures “into the mysterious space of the afterlife,” while Arora hopes it will remind viewers of “the importance of cherishing loved ones before it’s too late.”
Festival Favourite Before Its Release
Before hitting streaming, Momo Deal had already carved out a strong festival presence, with official selections at Garofano Rosso Film Festival (Italy), Accra Indie Filmfest (Ghana), DC South Asian Film Festival (USA), and IFFSA Toronto. The film also bagged Best Director at the Karnataka Youth International Short Film Festival and the Golden Elephant Award at the Ooty Short Film Festival.
For Jindal, this marks a return to short films after his streaming success with Indian Predator, reaffirming his versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling. His track record in the short film space is formidable — from the global hit The School Bag (winner of 44 awards) to acclaimed works like Baj Gai Seeti, Vikalp, and PAASH (Oscar-qualified).
Also Read: Sugam Sargam Unveils “Kuch Kadam” — A Melodic Tale of Friendship, Love, and Serendipity
The Making of a Jaipur Tale
Filmed entirely on location in Jaipur, Momo Deal captures the city’s bustling charm and unpredictability. “Capturing the real texture of Jaipur on a tight schedule was tough,” Jindal shares, “but it also brought a rawness and beauty that elevates the story.”
With its blend of humour, heart, and haunting beauty, Momo Deal offers a timely reminder of the bonds that survive even beyond goodbye — and why sometimes the most meaningful moments can happen over a simple plate of street food.
