What does it feel like to be surrounded by people, yet feel completely empty inside? It is a profound, isolating question that resonates deeply with today's youth. Now, this complex human emotion is taking center stage in the Indian indie cinema circuit through KHAALI (EMPTY), a poignant feature film conceived and created by an unexpected source: a first-year MBA student.
Hardik Soni, an MBA student at Ahmedabad University, has taken the filmmaking world by storm. Despite having no formal training in cinema, his debut feature film has achieved a spectacular milestone, earning an official selection at the prestigious 16th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2026 in New Delhi.
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Exploring the Identity Crisis of Youth: The Story of 'KHAALI'
KHAALI dives headfirst into the delicate psychological landscape of Naveen, a 19-year-old introverted boy. Set against the backdrop of a supportive environment, the narrative follows Naveen on an internal journey to discover his purpose and identity, all while wrestling with a persistent, unyielding sense of emptiness.
The film serves as an authentic social commentary on modern mental health, isolation, and the chaotic transition into adulthood, themes that heavily captured the attention of major festival juries.
A Sweep of International and National Awards
The official nod at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2026 is just one feather in the film's cap. KHAALI has been steadily dominating indie award circuits with multiple high-profile accolades:
The Ultimate One-Man Show: Balancing CAT, Post-Production, and an MBA
Perhaps more remarkable than the film itself is the story of how it was made. The spark for KHAALI ignited in July 2024 while Hardik was casually writing lyrics with a friend. What was intended to be a simple short film quickly evolved into a massive, seven-month feature project.
Remarkably, Hardik wrote the script while simultaneously studying for the highly competitive Common Admission Test (CAT) for business school. Driven by sheer passion, he took on five massive roles behind the scenes, serving as the film's:
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
- Lead Actor
- Editor
"While it was difficult, the belief my parents and friends had in me made this film possible," Hardik reflected. “I balanced post-production alongside my MBA. This journey has been as much about discovering myself as it has been about making the film.”
Breaking the Silos of Traditional Higher Education
Hardik’s success highlights a massive shift in how we view management students. Traditionally confined to spreadsheets, data analytics, and corporate strategy, modern MBA candidates are proving that business acumen and creative genius are not mutually exclusive.
Ahmedabad University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and independent thinking provided the perfect ecosystem for Hardik to thrive. By balancing the rigor of post-production with the demands of a master’s program, his story offers an inspiring blueprint for young creatives navigating both corporate and artistic worlds.
As KHAALI prepares for its screening at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival in New Delhi, Hardik Soni stands as proof that with perseverance, the courage to explore the unknown can lead directly to the red carpet.
