The event featured actor-director Rohini, cinematographer Alphonse Roy, screenwriting mentor John Edathattil and writer-director Arun Karthik. The session focused on the evolving language of mobile-first storytelling and the creative demands of producing short-form content for smartphone audiences.
Actor-director Rohini described vertical cinema as an inevitable shift in content consumption, while emphasizing that the emotional core of storytelling remains paramount. She added that vertical web series enable a more direct and personal connection with audiences.
Cinematographer Alphonse Roy highlighted how AI is democratizing filmmaking by making complex visual storytelling more accessible. He said vertical cinema requires a reimagined approach to framing and scene composition, describing it as a “new artistic vocabulary.” He also pointed to emerging challenges in sound design that are unique to the format.
Screenwriting mentor John Edathattil noted that vertical content typically lasts just three to four minutes, making it essential for stories to establish an immediate emotional connection. He stressed the pivotal role of writers in creating authentic and engaging narratives capable of capturing audience attention instantly.
Writer-director Arun Karthik reiterated that, irrespective of format, strong characters and genuine emotions remain essential to storytelling. While smartphones have made content widely accessible, he observed that only truly creative storytelling can captivate and sustain audience engagement.
The interactive session also saw active participation from the audience, with attendees posing questions to the panel on the evolving landscape of vertical cinema and mobile-first content.
Speaking at the event, Geevee, Head of Content at Kadhaishorts, said, “At Kadhaishorts, we are committed to empowering creators, enabling new voices, and connecting audiences worldwide through meaningful, high-quality content. Kadhaishorts is not just a platform, but an ecosystem for creators. From our writers’ room model to initiatives like the Kalaiclub Vertical Film School, we are focused on nurturing talent and redefining how stories are told in a mobile-first world. Our goal is to create compelling, short-form content that resonates emotionally while opening new avenues for creators and brands alike.”
“Today, we are witnessing a significant shift from the attention economy to the immersion economy. Advertisers are also embracing this change, as the platform offers innovative opportunities for brands to engage audiences through micro dramas and tell their stories more effectively,” he added.
Kadhaishorts is a Tamil vertical OTT platform created exclusively for smartphone users. It offers short, high-quality content across genres including drama, comedy, action, thriller and horror, with each episode limited to around two minutes.
The platform plans to expand into multiple languages, including Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Hindi. It also supports emerging talent through training initiatives and creator collaborations.
The Chennai creators’ meet highlighted the growing creative considerations surrounding vertical cinema, with industry voices focusing on emotional storytelling, framing, sound design, writing and audience engagement as the format develops for smartphone audiences.
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