Rajan Chauhan with Gujarati Author and Screenwriter Raam Mori at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa

Meeting Raam Mori at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panjim, Goa, was a memorable experience in my journey as a filmmaker. Known as one of the most influential contemporary Gujarati authors and screenwriters, Raam Mori has made a remarkable contribution to both literature and cinema through his emotionally rich storytelling and culturally rooted narratives.

As the writer behind acclaimed Gujarati films and award-winning literary works, his journey reflects the power of authentic storytelling. Interacting with him at IFFI reinforced an important lesson for me as an aspiring film director—that every memorable film begins with a meaningful story. His work demonstrates how local stories, when told with honesty and emotion, can resonate with audiences far beyond regional boundaries.

The International Film Festival of India is more than a celebration of cinema; it is a place where filmmakers, writers, actors, and creative professionals from around the world come together to exchange ideas and inspire one another. Meeting storytellers like Raam Mori at such a prestigious platform broadened my perspective on screenwriting and reminded me that strong characters, authentic emotions, and cultural identity remain at the heart of great filmmaking.

This interaction became another valuable milestone in my filmmaking journey, strengthening my passion for storytelling and inspiring me to continue exploring cinema that is both meaningful and deeply connected to people and their experiences. Raam Mori (born 2 February 1993) is an Indian Gujarati author, screenwriter, novelist, columnist, and storyteller. He is regarded as one of the most influential young voices in contemporary Gujarati literature and cinema, known for writing emotionally grounded stories centered on rural Saurashtra, women, family relationships, and everyday life.

Early Life

• Born in Mota Surka (family roots in Lakhavad), Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.

• Comes from a farming family.

• Holds a degree in Fabrication Engineering.

• Began writing short stories at the age of 17 before becoming a full-time writer and screenwriter based in Ahmedabad.

Literary Career

Raam Mori made his literary debut with Mahotu (2016), a collection of short stories that earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, making him one of the youngest recipients of the award. His later books include:

• Mahotu (2016)

• Coffee Stories (2018)

• Confession Box (2020)

• Satyabhama (2025)

• Barima Aakhu Aakash (2026)

Career in Cinema

Alongside literature, Raam Mori has become one of Gujarati cinema's most respected screenwriters. His notable film work includes:

• Montu Ni Bittu (2019) – Story, screenplay & dialogues

• 21mu Tiffin (2021) – Story, screenplay & dialogues

• Mara Pappa Superhero (2021) – Writer

• Kutch Express (2023) – Dialogue writer

• Kasoombo (2024) – Story, screenplay & dialogues

• Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (2026) – Screenplay

Awards & Recognition

Raam Mori has received numerous literary and cinematic honors, including:

• Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar

• Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Yuva Puraskar

• Dhumketu Award

• Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Yuva Gaurav Award

• Gujarat Iconic Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer

• Several other literary and screenplay awards.

Teaching & Public Speaking

In addition to writing, Raam Mori teaches screenwriting, language, and communication at institutions including St. Xavier's College, Gujarat University, and other journalism and media institutes. He is also active as a speaker at literature festivals and filmmaking workshops.

Writing Style

Raam Mori is known for:

• Emotionally rich storytelling.

• Strong female protagonists.

• Rural Gujarati settings.

• Human relationships and social realism.

• Seamlessly bridging literature and cinema through screenwriting.