Director Rahi Anil Barve's experimental film Mann Pishach has now officially premiered on YouTube, surprising audiences after its trailer had earlier announced a March 18 release. The psychological folk-horror project, already making waves for its unconventional approach, is being widely discussed for its unique use of artificial intelligence and ultra-low-budget production.
Best known for directing the cult horror film Tumbbad, Barve takes a bold creative leap with Mann Pishach, which he describes as a “zero-budget” experiment. The 80-minute film has been largely created using AI tools, digital software, and minimal resources, making it a one-man filmmaking effort. Despite being labelled as zero-budget, the project was completed at an estimated cost of just Rs 33,000.
The film follows Sadashiv Rao, a solitary junior officer in the Archaeology Department, who is sent to the remote village of Hadamgaon after a hill collapse reveals a mysterious stone dome. As he stays with a young widow, Savitri, he begins to notice strange patterns—doors shutting before sunset, deserted streets, and villagers unwilling to speak about the secrets surrounding the hill.
As Rao digs deeper, the story slowly unravels unsettling truths about both the hidden structure and the people of the village, blending psychological horror with elements of folklore.
The film features only two actors—Yaaneea Bhardwaj and Deepak Damle—and relies heavily on visuals, silence, and narration rather than dialogue. The screenplay, written by Zaai Gulmohar, was crafted keeping the limitations of AI filmmaking in mind.
Barve revealed that the project took nearly four months to complete, with each scene carefully planned using hand-drawn storyboards before being created digitally. Reflecting on the experiment, he said, “This is a zero-budget experiment. If it helps even one broke, frustrated artist create something out of noting – even with empty pockets – and enjoy the process, that's a win for me.”
He also noted that while AI may become more common in filmmaking, the final quality will always depend on human creativity and intent.
The film's trailer (released on March 14) had already generated buzz online, and with its early release, audience reactions are now pouring in. While many viewers have praised the effort and called it “inspiring” and “impressive for a one-man project,” others have pointed out technical flaws, especially in visual consistency.
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Despite mixed feedback, Mann Pishach is already being seen as a bold experiment that could open new doors for independent filmmakers in the age of AI.
Watch the full movie here:
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