Last Film Show (Chhello Show) was Shortlisted for Nominations by The Academy for Best International Feature at The 95th Oscars 2023. Last Film Show is inspired by filmmaker Pan Nalin's own childhood. This ode to cinema unfolds against the remote Indian countryside of the year 2010/11 in the state of Gujarat, India. After watching a movie at Galaxy Cinema, a free-spirited young kid SAMAY's life turns upside down as he passionately falls in love with the power of movies. He steals money from his father's tea-stall, and skips school to watch movies. Samay and his gang move heaven and earth to make their own DIY 35mm movie show. But soon Samay's father discovers his nine-year young son's 'immoral' obsession; he beats him up, and warns him to stay away from the 'filthy' world of films. But for Samay it's way too late, the magic of movies is riding high on his mind. While sneaking into Galaxy, Samay's path crosses with FAZAL, the projectionist. They strike a deal; Samay will let him eat the content of his lunchbox, in return, Fazal will let him watch movies from the projection room. Fazal falls for it as it turns out Samay's mother is an amazing cook. In no time their food-for-films deal turns into an endearing friendship. When Samay steals film reels from the railway parcel room, in no time he is arrested by the cops and confined into a juvenile home. When he comes out of the 'jail' he reunites with FAZAL and dreams up even bigger plans for their 35mm dreams. But little do they know that soon they'll be forced to make heartbreaking choices as an era is approaching to annihilate everything they love about their 35mm dreams...
Samay fights heaven and earth to find light. He wants to catch, control, cut and project that light to tell stories. Now to pursue that dream he must leave everything he loves and take a flight to find the light.