Sri Vijaya Puram, July 7: A group of self-taught young filmmakers from the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands is making waves with their latest web series, Yeh Dosti (2025), a locally produced comedy that is released weekly on their YouTube channel, FILMYHUM. With no professional background or access to a formal film industry, this team has carved its path, one frame at a time.
The project is led by Manoj Subramaniam, actor, writer, and founder of FILMYHUM, and Bijay Baraili, co-founder. Their tight-knit team includes Paras Kumar (cameraman), Asvin Tamang (assistant cameraman), and cast members Preeti Raj and Sai Krishna. Yeh Dosti is their fourth short-format production following The Victim – The Haunting Hours (2021), Love in Contract Basis (2022), and SAGAA – The Two of One Womb (2023).
“Comedy is a difficult genre. The timing, expressions, and punches it takes more than just a script,” says Manoj, who also plays lead roles in their projects. The team watched countless comedy shows and films, from Friends to Modern Family, to prepare for this leap.
The filmmakers, who began their project during the COVID lockdown, had no access to directors, mentors, or studios. Their journey began with zero technical knowledge. Their first film, The Victim, was shot on an iPhone and planned roughly, with no structured script. Lighting, editing, and camera movement were all learned through YouTube tutorials.
Despite the amateur tools, their early works were well received. Love in Contract Basis drew praise for its concept, and SAGAA was an experimental attempt to touch mainstream themes. However, it is Yeh Dosti, a comedy web series designed for consistency, that they view as a turning point.
Finding female actors has been one of their biggest hurdles in the islands, where filmmaking is still seen as a hobby rather than a career. However, Preeti Raj has been a key presence in their journey.
“Preeti is like our lucky charm,” the group says. “Every time we’re stuck without a lead, she saves the day.”
Working mostly after hours, the team funds their productions independently. Manoj, a part-time school dance instructor, invests a portion of his salary into the films. The group believes in building a creative outlet that also sends a message to the youth.
“We’ve seen school students fall into drug habits. If our content can help even one child turn to something creative, it’s worth it,” Manoj explains.
Their families, too, have been a steady and silent pillar in their journey. From allowing their children to stay out late for shoots to helping in small ways behind the scenes and offering emotional encouragement, the support has been unwavering. “Our parents may not understand everything we do, but they trust us. They see how committed we are, and that’s been our biggest strength,” Manoj shares.
Their content speaks to a generation navigating boredom, social pressure, and a lack of platforms. The team emphasizes that their long-term goal is to pursue filmmaking professionally, and right here in the islands. They welcome anyone interested in the craft, regardless of background or department.
Each member brings commitment and passion. Manoj credits the team’s discipline and mutual respect as the reason they’ve been able to complete long-drawn projects like Yeh Dosti, which took over two years from ideation to release.
The digital platform has also changed its reach. With 4G access now widespread in the islands, young creators are finding new audiences and inspiration. Manoj believes Andaman’s youth are increasingly aware of outside trends and tastes, something that wasn’t the case just a few years ago.
Their work remains far from flawless, something they openly acknowledge. Early episodes show flaws in colour grading, lighting, and editing, but the growth over time is visible. From smartphone shots to DSLR setups, and reels to weekly webisodes, the evolution is steady.
“We didn’t give up, and we won’t,” Manoj states. “We’re doing this because we love it, and we want to keep going, no matter the limitations.”
What began as a lockdown experiment has now become one of Andaman’s most unique creative ventures. As Yeh Dosti finds viewers week after week, these young filmmakers stand as a testament to self-made artistry, proving that even from one of the country’s most remote regions, stories can still reach the world.
