Vikramaditya Motwane Joins Creative Team Behind Coming-of-Age Comedy ‘TeacherS Pet’
Mumbai, India – Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane has joined the production of “Teacher’s Pet,” a coming-of-age comedy poised to explore global themes of adolescence through an Indian lens.the project, a collaboration between Lambe Log Productions and Dwivedi’s Small Town Gurl Productions, is currently seeking global partners to finalize financing and distribution.
“Teacher’s Pet” centers on Rinky, a high-achieving student whose ambition to become head girl is challenged when she finds herself in competition with her former best friend. The story unfolds as a journey through identity, friendship, and the complexities of growing up.
The creative team, working across the India-U.S. divide, is driven by a desire to broaden representation in coming-of-age narratives. “We are committed to telling Indian stories for the world. ‘Teacher’s Pet’ lets us do exactly that,as we explore the chaos of teenage life,” says Aishwarya Sonar of Lambe Log Productions,whose previous work includes the short films “Yakshi” (starring Babil Khan and Anna Ben) and “Hema” (starring Rajshri Deshpande). “We grew up searching for ourselves in coming-of-age stories about white girls.With this,we’re working towards being part of that change,not just for representation’s sake,but also to showcase the vibrant universe of indian comedies,which are rare on global screens.”
Financing for the project is being secured through private equity, international co-production partners, and non-recoupable grants, with $200,000 already committed. The script, developed during Dwivedi’s time at the american Film Institute (AFI), has received recognition from several industry programs, including being shortlisted for Mubi’s Cannes W Scripted program, reaching the semi-finalist stage of the Emerging Screenwriters Comedy Competition, and winning the IFFLA Pitch Competition in 2024. It also participated in Tasveer’s Producers Lab and was showcased at IFFLA, CineV, and the Co-Production Market at WAVES Film Bazaar 2025.
Production is slated to begin in December 2026 in Madhya Pradesh, India.Director Shalini Murthy’s previous work includes the Kannada-language feature “Aachar & Co.” and the documentary series “Jeevalahari” (Doordarshan), with her latest feature, “13 Days,” currently in post-production.
“We’re positioned to deliver: our director sold her debut to Amazon Studios, and our EP is behind many successful Indian titles,” Sonar added. “We’re now seeking global partners to help bring this story to screens worldwide.”
