The upcoming OSN Original is a fictionalised story of a six-year-old South Asian schoolgirl who falls asleep on a school bus and ultimately dies from heat exhaustion.
OSN has announced its first original film titled Yellow Bus. Production on the project has finished, and its premiere on the platform will take place later this year after its theatrical release.
The original film is part of OSN’s promise to create and showcase a blend of modern-day Arabia seen through untold stories derived from the region.
Yellow Bus is the story of a schoolgirl who falls asleep on the school bus, gets left behind and ultimately dies from heat exhaustion. The story begins with the mother, Ananda, waking up to a day full of promises and hope. Little did she know that the next time she would see her youngest daughter-after sending her to school-would be at the morgue. Her life shattered, Ananda defies everyone and everything in search of the truth about what really happened to her daughter, Anju, on that fateful day.
The film is written and directed by Wendy Bednarz and is produced by Nadia Eliewat. The film stars Tannishtha Chatterjee in the lead role as the mother, Ananda, with Amit Sial as the father, Gagan and Kinda Alloush as the school owner, Mira.
The film explores universal themes of motherhood, grief and dealing with loss – set against the backdrop of Gulf culture.
Commenting on the new film, Darine ElKhatib, Senior Vice President – Arabic Services & Original Production at OSN, said: “We were drawn to the story as it works on many levels – it takes you on a heartbreaking roller-coaster of the mother’s desperation, while covering controversial themes and concepts that are rarely addressed in this region. Paired with the incredible writing, passionate producers and wonderful cast we can’t wait to share Yellow Bus with OSN customers later in 2022.”
Tannishtha Chatterjee added: “I play the character Ananda in this film, a mother coming to terms with losing her child, coping with grief, and searching for the truth. I can’t imagine a mother going through the loss of her child, it was a very emotional role for me to immerse myself in the character. The production of the film and the atmosphere on set were a truthful reflection of real-life with its diversity of languages and accents. What unites us is more than what divides us and the theme of the film is truly universal in this regard.”
Kinda Alloush stated: “When I read the script’s first 10 pages, I knew I wanted to be a part of this film. It’s a relatable story that can take place anywhere. However, ‘Mira’ is a character I’ve never played before, and she has lots of layers that I got to understand as I delved deeper into the role. The character ‘Mira’ intertwines with ‘Ananda’ in a sense that they both explore different themes of Motherhood and loss throughout the film.”
The OSN Original Film Yellow Bus will have its world premiere in 2022.
