08/10/2025
🎬 Big News from VerveFilms! 🎬
We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest short film, Pariksha – Screen Test — a heartfelt 12-minute dramedy filmed right here in Durham, NC, and Pittsboro, NC.
The film follows Pariksha Singh, a struggling actress returning from her grandmother’s funeral, still carrying the weight of grief. On the long drive home, her phone rings — it’s her casting agent with the opportunity of a lifetime: a lead role in a major Hollywood film. But when she walks into the audition, she’s confronted with absurd, stereotype-driven expectations that force her to question not only the industry’s perception of her identity but also her own boundaries.
As humor and heartbreak collide, Pariksha – Screen Test shines a light on the choices we make when our dreams, dignity, and family responsibilities all hang in the balance.
Shot entirely in North Carolina and featuring a talented cast and crew, this film is our love letter to authentic storytelling — one that blends laughs with moments that might just hit you in the gut.
💡 If you’ve ever chased a dream, faced impossible expectations, or wondered how far you’d go to stay true to yourself, this film will speak to you.
📽️ Stay tuned right here for updates on screenings, behind-the-scenes moments, and ways you can watch Pariksha – Screen Test. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!
The film features Seema Kukreja in the lead and supported by Joran Napoli-Cranford and Aditya Sharma.
