In the heart of Delhi, where the daily hustle creates a backdrop of both the mundane and the absurd, filmmaker Rohan Ranganathan presents his debut feature film, Tyres will be deflated. This black comedy, produced by Kiterabbit Films, explores the darker side of urban living through a seemingly trivial yet escalating parking dispute. The film captures the essence of conflict that arises in close-knit communities, illustrating how minor disagreements can spiral out of control.
Kiterabbit Films, known for acclaimed projects such as the Academy Award-nominated documentary All that breathes and the anticipated Shadowbox, is leading this project as it makes its market debut at the WAVES Film Bazaar. The team is actively seeking early financing and collaborations to bring this unique story to life.
Plot overview: from trivial to tragic
The narrative follows a conflict-averse college professor whose life begins to unravel after a minor parking disagreement with a powerful neighbor. What starts as a simple territorial dispute quickly escalates into a series of retaliatory actions, transforming the professor’s attempts to maintain his dignity into a chaotic spiral of destruction. As the feud intensifies, he becomes embroiled in a farcical and self-destructive cycle that highlights the absurdity of human nature.
Exploring urban micro-politics
The film serves as a poignant reflection of the volatile micro-politics that characterize middle-class life in Delhi. In a city where space is at a premium, social hierarchies and everyday pressures can turn trivial matters into explosive conflicts. Producer Aman Mann notes, “Rohan has a natural understanding of this environment. He has endlessly shared stories from his own neighborhood, each one sharper and more ridiculous than the last. These anecdotes formed the foundation for a narrative that promises to be both hilariously funny and painfully relatable.”
The creative journey of Rohan Ranganathan
Rohan Ranganathan’s journey with Kiterabbit Films began over a decade ago when he joined as an assistant director on the acclaimed documentary Cities of sleep. His talents were further recognized when he took on the role of associate director for All that breathes, a film that garnered significant accolades at both Sundance and Cannes. Producer Aman Mann reflects on Ranganathan’s evolution, stating, “From the beginning, we recognized his strong creative instincts and profound understanding of Delhi’s intricacies. Supporting him as he transitions into fiction feels like a natural progression.”
Development and future prospects
Kiterabbit Films is currently in the scripting phase for Tyres will be deflated, with plans to initiate production by the latter half of 2026. The WAVES Film Bazaar marks a significant milestone for the team as they seek funding to realize this ambitious project. Having successfully produced Shadowbox, Mann and Sen are exploring various financing avenues and are optimistic about establishing international partnerships to enhance the film’s reach.
As Kiterabbit Films continues to develop projects backed by esteemed grants from organizations like IDFA, Catapult, Doc Society, and Busan’s Asian Cinema Fund, anticipation surrounding Tyres will be deflated grows. This film promises to offer audiences a unique lens to view the complexities of urban life, framed within a narrative that is as absurd as it is compelling.
