Aastha Tiku’s directorial debut Dreamboat is set to have its world premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), which will take place from October 29 to November 1, 2026. The 24-minute fantasy comedy-drama stars Sofia Ashraf, Supriya Joshi, Tenzin Dalha and Prayrak Mehta.
Written and directed by Tiku, Dreamboat follows an underground musician whose unconventional relationship with her favourite pillow is interrupted by her mother. She then embarks on a strange journey through Mumbai, where her friendships, desires and sense of reality begin to shift.
The abandoned pillow also takes on a life of its own, adding a surreal element to the story as the protagonist searches for love and connection in an increasingly unfamiliar city.
Aastha Tiku on the idea behind Dreamboat
Tiku, who previously worked as the writer of the 2021 film Sherni, said the story originated from a dream and gradually developed into a screenplay.
“Dreamboat literally came to me in a dream and I spent a few months trying to decipher it and mould it into a screenplay. I wanted the world of the film to feel relatable, at the same time coded in dream logic,” she said.
Explaining the central relationship in the film, Tiku added, “Through the fantasy genre with a female protagonist the intent was to capture the relationship of an artist and her muse – a pillow. The film allowed me to follow my instincts and make something honest, punk and experiential.”
Amit Masurkar backs Tiku’s directorial debut
The film is produced by Tiku and National Award-winning filmmaker Amit Masurkar, whose credits include Newton, Sherni and Sulemani Keeda.
Masurkar said the film’s unusual premise and visual approach attracted him to the project.
“What drew me to Dreamboat was its unconventional premise and the treatment boards Aastha had prepared for the film. I love how she used pop culture, music, colour, language, fashion to create this campy and surreal fever dream,” he said.
“We are excited to begin our festival journey with DIFF,” he added.
Sofia Ashraf leads the cast
The film features Sofia Ashraf in her lead acting debut. The rapper, artist and activist is known for her protest song Kodaikanal Won’t. She is joined by comedian and digital creator Supriya Joshi, actor Tenzin Dalha and Prayrak Mehta.
Moses Koul and Gurpal Singh are also part of the cast.
Following Dreamboat, Tiku is developing her first feature film as a director, which is scheduled to go on floors in 2027.
The world premiere at DIFF will mark the beginning of Dreamboat’s festival run.
Also Read: Kirti Kulhari’s production debut Kinaare to premiere at Dharamshala International Film Festival
