Freddie’s Piano: A Heartfelt Story by Aakash Prabhakar
Freddie’s Piano is an emotional story about the relationship between two half-brothers, Aden and Freddie. Directed by Aakash Prabhakar, the film follows Aden’s efforts to gift Freddie a grand piano for Christmas, fulfilling their late father’s dream. Through this journey, both brothers discover that their bond is the most important gift they can give each other.
About
Released in 2021, Freddie’s Piano is an emotional story about the relationship between two half-brothers, Aden and Freddie. Directed by Aakash Prabhakar, the film follows Aden’s efforts to gift Freddie a grand piano for Christmas, fulfilling their late father’s dream. Through this journey, both brothers discover that their bond is the most important gift they can give each other.
Set in Pondicherry, the film makes use of the region’s distinctive blend of French and Tamil influences, creating a setting that enhances the story’s warmth and charm.
Cast
Directed By: Aakash Prabhakar
Co-Directed By: Sudharshan Narayanan
Producers: Som Kovvuri , Lisa Kovvuri, Mathivanan Rajendram
Executive Producers: Tarana Reddy, Nirmal Lawrence, Mathivanan Rajendran.
Original Music By: Prashant Srinivas (Ragahaus)
Pranav Mylarassu as Freddie: A 12-year-old pianist and student at A.R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory, Pranav made his acting debut with this film.
Aakash Prabhakar as Aden: The director also plays the elder brother, adding authenticity to the story.
Supporting Cast: Mathivanan Rajendran, Drishya Gautham, Leela Samson, Mekha Rajan, Anirudh, and others.
The screenplay was written by Batul Mukhtiar, a National Award-winning filmmaker. The film was co-directed by Sudharshan Narayanan, with cinematography by Sandeep K Vijay and editing by Ashwin Arvind.
A Silcrun Inc in Association with Stray Factory and Here and Now Films Production.
AWARDS
New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2021 – Official Selection
Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati 2021 – Best Director (Aakash Prabhakar)
Indigo Moon Film Festival 2021 – Best Film (Jury Award)
DC South Asian Film Festival 2021 – Best Film
Scottsdale International Film Festival 2021 – Official Screening
These accolades reflect the impact and appreciation the film received from audiences and critics alike.
Movie
Director’s Inspiration
Aakash Prabhakar, known for his work in theatre and filmmaking, drew inspiration for Freddie’s Piano from a personal experience. Reflecting on his childhood, Aakash recalls his mother working extra hours to buy him a keyboard he longed for. This memory shaped the story, making it a deeply meaningful project for him.
Speaking about the film, Aakash said, “While the story revolves around Aden’s efforts to buy a piano for Freddie, it’s really about showing how much he cares for his brother and is willing to support him no matter what.”
Production and Setting
Freddie’s Piano is a collaboration between Silcrun Inc., Stray Factory Entertainment, and Here & Now Productions. The film was produced by Somasekhar and Lisa Kovvuri, independent producers based in New Hampshire.
Pondicherry was chosen as the backdrop for its small-town feel and its mix of French and Tamil cultures, adding to the film’s visual appeal. The story is set in a Tamil Christian family, offering a fresh perspective not often seen in Indian cinema.
Press and Media
The film received praise for its relatable themes and strong performances. Freddie’s Piano sparked conversations about family relationships and the sacrifices people make for their loved ones. Its selection at renowned film festivals added to its credibility as a heartfelt and meaningful film.
Watch the Trailer and Experience the Story
Step into the world of Freddie’s Piano and witness a story filled with love, dreams, and the bond of family.
About the founder
Aakash Prabhakar is an internationally recognized actor, filmmaker, and theatre director from India, with a body of work that spans over a decade across stage and screen. He is the founder of Here And Now, a production company dedicated to impactful storytelling through independent films and theatre.
A graduate of The Drama School Mumbai and the New York Film Academy, Aakash’s training merges Indian theatrical rigour with global cinematic technique. In 2019, he made his feature film debut with Freddie’s Piano, which he directed and starred in. The film premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival 2021 and was selected at numerous international festivals, earning accolades such as:
Best Director – Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati
Best Feature Film – DC South Asian Film Festival
Best Film (Jury Award) – Indigo Moon Film Festival, North Carolina
.svg)
.svg)