Dolcy D’Cruz
Based on the Biblical verse 1 John 4:4, ‘The one who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world,’ a short f ilm was created to depict the theme of f ighting one’s own inner battles. ‘The One in Me’, India’s first faith-driven thriller, stars Natania Dias, Meenacshi Martins, Amit Naik, Lansel D’Souza and Keegan Fernandes. The film is produced by Limitless Films Production, with the story written by Gavin Martin. Ash Andrade serves as the creative director, Joy Mayday as the visual director and Lysel Vaz as the assistant director. The short film follows Anika Braganza, who has spent years building a new life in London but returns to Goa after the death of her grandmother. Alone in her ancestral home and grieving her final family tie, Anika becomes the target of an oppressive presence. What begins as a struggle for survival soon evolves into a deeper spiritual journey as she learns to confront fear and reclaim her peace. At its core, the story reflects the message that “the one in her is greater than the one in the world.” For creative director and executive producer, Ash Andrade, the film marks a significant milestone in her career. Having worked on videos and campaigns, and as a singer who has released her original music, this f ilm is her project. The film completed production in July last year and was entirely shot in Goa, specifically in Raia. “We had a very tight schedule of just four days. Since it is a short f ilm of around 25 minutes, we had to plan everything very carefully to complete the shoot within that time,” says Ash. The film explores the theme of faith and inner resilience. “The f ilm deals with a slightly complex subject, the idea of the word of God versus evil. In today’s world, many people believe in affirmations and confessing positive things to manifest them in their lives. That works when you want something good to happen, but when there is something negative around you, overcoming it requires more than just a positive mindset,” explains Ash. The project also introduces several actors to the screen. “The film also features Amit Naik, who is appearing as an actor for the first time. Dr Meenacshi is also part of the film. She is quite experienced in acting and brings that veteran presence to the project. The lead actress portraying Anika is also making her debut,” she adds. Having lived in Dubai for nearly two decades, writer and producer Gavin Martin returned to Goa recently and started working on this film which is inspired by real-life experiences. “I have done ghostwriting for two screenplays earlier. I have also done quite a bit of ghostwriting for books. However, this is the first project that is based in Goa and also my own production,” he says. He explains that his background influenced the narrative. “There are many stories about haunted houses or people being possessed, but in many cases the truth is that it is oppression. Over the years, I have helped a few people come out of such situations. This film is actually inspired by the true story of a 19-year-old girl whom I helped. I’ve changed a lot of details, but it’s based on a story of a girl who lives in the UK, but has come down now for her grandmother’s funeral, living in the old Portuguese traditional house that her grandmother died in. She already had panic attacks, but now she’s having these kind of demonic attacks. There is a person involved who helps her to get out. But he says, this is your fight. You have God living on the inside of you, so you can fight it on your own.” Amit Naik from Bicholim, well known as Waking Grunt makes his acting debut with the film. Reflecting on the experience, he says, “The director of the film was Joy Mayday, the same person who directed the music video for my song ‘Lofde’. He contacted me for this project because he felt I would fit the role perfectly. The shoot lasted just two days for my part and took place at a house in Raia. The crew members and everyone involved in the production were very cooperative and helpful, so it was a really good experience working with them.” The film will premiere at the Limitless Auditorium, Kadama Plateau, Old Goa on Sunday, March 8 at 6.30 pm followed by a discussion session featuring both the actors and the technical team. The makers are also exploring opportunities to release the f ilm on OTT platforms.
