Deepankar Kumar is a versatile Indian filmmaker and theatre artist, widely recognized for his distinctive storytelling and technical prowess in the Indian film industry. Born and raised in Patna, Bihar, he completed his early education there before moving to Pune for higher studies. Today, he is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where he actively contributes to the country’s dynamic cinematic landscape.
Driven by a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, Deepankar has directed over 25 short films, many of which he also shot and edited himself. His body of work spans across formats—ranging from short films to brand videos and commercials—highlighting his ability to seamlessly blend creativity with technical expertise. His films have reached audiences nationwide through leading OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Watcho, Airtel Xstream, Vodafone TV, and Hungama Play, among others.
In 2021, he made a significant impact with his directorial debut, Kasturi: The Story of Untouchable. Tackling sensitive social issues, the short film premiered on Disney+ Hotstar and went on to receive critical acclaim at several prestigious film festivals, including the FFTG Awards Film Fest (New York), Santiago Film Festival (Chile), Mumbai Indie Film Festival, and Adbhooture Film Festival (Kolkata). His powerful debut earned him the Best Debut Director (Male) award at the New York Film Festival, solidifying his reputation as an emerging voice in contemporary Indian cinema.
Deepankar is also the co-founder of Cinematic 360, a Mumbai-based production house specializing in 360-degree video, drone cinematography, and brand storytelling. Known for its cutting-edge visuals and innovative approach, Cinematic 360 has rapidly built a strong creative identity. Their work is showcased on their official website: Cinematic360.in.
Early Life and Education[]
Deepankar was born in Patna, where he completed his schooling until the 10th standard. He then moved to Pune for further studies, and later relocated to Mumbai to pursue a full-time career in filmmaking.
Career[]
Deepankar began his artistic journey through theatre, which soon led to opportunities in television. He appeared in TV shows including Sanjeevini 2, gaining valuable on-screen experience. He also acted in various short films such as The Perfect Match, now streaming on MX Player, Hungama Play, Pocket Films, and Shorted.in.
In addition to his work in film and theatre, he has been featured in numerous television commercials for top brands including Moj App, Classic Rummy, Billbook App, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, Winzo Games, Himalaya Lip Balm, and Junglee Rummy.
Alongside acting, he continued honing his craft behind the camera, directing impactful short films and producing content for brands. His ability to balance both creative and commercial projects has earned him respect as a multifaceted creator in the Indian film industry.
Filmography[]
As Director and Writer[]
| Year | Title | Type | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Kasturi: The Story of Untouchable | Short Film | Director, Writer | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Various | Brand Videos, Ads | Commercial | Director | Multiple platforms |
As Actor[]
| Year | Title | Type | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Perfect Match | Short Film | Avinash | MX Player, Hungama Play, Pocket Films, Shorted.in |
| Various | Sanjeevini 2 | TV Series | Various roles | Indian television |
| Various | TV Commercials | Advertisements | Actor | Moj App, Himalaya, Edelweiss, Winzo, etc. |
Awards and Nominations[]
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FFTG Awards (New York) | Best Debut Director (Male) | Kasturi | Won |
| 2021 | FFTG Awards (New York) | Best Film on Social Issues | Kasturi | Nominated |
| 2021 | FFTG Awards (New York) | Best Short Film of the Fest | Kasturi | Nominated |
Notable Achievements[]
- Co-founder of Cinematic 360.
- Directed 25+ short films and several branded content videos.
- Films featured on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Watcho, Airtel Xstream, Vodafone TV, and Hungama TV.
- Award-winning filmmaker with international recognition.