books | 23rd Filmi: Toronto's South Asian Film Festival Dec 6-7 2025

Always on the lookout for easy money, a couple of small-time crooks, Rohan and Han, come up with what might just be their best plan ever: kidnap famous “Crypto King” Martin Collins and demand two million dollars for his release. While they have no trouble capturing Collins and holding him hostage in the live-in artist’s studio belonging to Rohan’s scatterbrained girlfriend, Maya, convincing the Crypto King to go along with the rest of their plan proves to be far more difficult.

Director Biography – Shashank Banawalikar Subhash

Born in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, and raised amidst the bustling streets of Bangalore, Shashank is a person of many talents. From an early age, he immersed himself in the world of mixed media art, constantly experimenting and expressing his creativity through various forms.

His journey took a fascinating turn when, while buried in blueprints and design projects at Architecture school, he discovered a new passion: comedy. By day, he was a diligent architect, but by night, he transformed into a stand-up comic, winning over audiences with his wit and charm.

Then, as if scripted by a mischievous screenwriter, the world decided to throw a curveball. The Pandemic struck, and the stand-up stage went dark. Undeterred, Shashank pivoted to a new medium. He began crafting short films with friends, weaving his comedic touch into every script. This creative spark led him across the globe to Toronto, Canada, where he traded his drafting table for a film student’s desk.

Embracing his role as a perpetual student of visual and narrative media, he honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons. Several films and a myriad of sleepless nights later, Shashank emerged as a dynamic writer and director in the industry. Yet, he never abandoned his first love—comedy. Today, he juggles his burgeoning career in film with performing stand-up sets in local comedy clubs, continuing to share his unique blend of humor and storytelling with the world.

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