Micro dramas represent an evolution of storytelling rather than the ‘fast fashion’ of cinema, industry experts said yesterday at a session on the rapidly growing format at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), highlighting its potential to engage mobile-first audiences while opening new opportunities for creators and platforms.

Speakers stressed that the format should be viewed as a distinct storytelling medium shaped by changing viewing habits and digital consumption patterns, according to a gist of the session put out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in a statement.

The discussion, titled ‘Fast Film: Is Micro Drama the Fast Fashion of Cinema?’, examined the rise of short-form, mobile-centric drama content and its implications for the entertainment industry. The session brought together actors and creators Archana Kavi and Ujjwal Kumar, and filmmakers Sameer Mody and Rafael Stemplewski, who explored the opportunities and challenges associated with the emerging format.

According to the release, the panellists argued that micro dramas are not a dilution of cinematic storytelling but a response to evolving audience behaviour and platform ecosystems. They noted that the format allows creators to tell concise, emotionally engaging stories tailored to contemporary viewing preferences, particularly on smartphones and digital platforms.

Mody said that the format gained momentum during the COVID-19 period when creators noticed increasing consumption of content on mobile screens. He described micro dramas as a format of storytelling that demands precision and creativity, where strong writing, compelling performances and sharp editing must come together within a limited duration.

The speakers emphasised that every new storytelling medium initially faces scepticism before finding acceptance. They maintained that micro dramas should be judged on the strength of their narratives and audience connection rather than solely on their duration, describing the format as a natural extension of storytelling traditions into the digital era.

The session also discussed the business and creative possibilities emerging from short-form content, including its ability to attract new audiences and provide experimentation opportunities for filmmakers.

Participants examined how creators can balance speed, accessibility and artistic quality while working within the constraints of shorter runtimes.

Kumar underlined that emotional connection remains the foundation of all storytelling, irrespective of duration. He said that actors need to adapt to new formats and continuously refine their craft to connect with audiences in a shorter time frame.

The open forum was held on the sidelines of MIFF 2026, the country’s premier festival for documentary, short fiction and animation films. The discussion formed part of the festival’s broader engagement with emerging trends in content creation and distribution as the media landscape continues to evolve.