Like Nobody's Watching

A Feature Film In Development

After her closeted husband leaves Toronto to chase Bollywood stardom, a neurotically cautious financial risk manager attends a friend's wedding where a drunken solo dance video goes viral. She is forced to confront newfound fame, cultural expectations, and the jealousy of a spouse who desires the stardom she never wanted… or did she?

The Story

This section introduces the core narrative of the film. Explore the synopsis, key themes, and character motivations that drive the story forward.

Sonam has what looks like the perfect, safe life: a secure job, a beautiful home, and an arranged marriage with Arjun, a successful architect, whom she loves. But Arjun has a different dream: he's obsessed with becoming a Bollywood actor, a fantasy Sonam calculates as a careless risk. After all, he’s an architect—buildings are supposed to stay put.

Sonam’s carefully constructed world shatters when Arjun abruptly leaves for Mumbai to audition for a role, revealing his long-held secret ambitions and a side of him she never knew. Feeling abandoned and unmoored, Sonam reluctantly attends a friend's lavish wedding. In a moment of drunken abandon, she performs a solo dance that is captured on video.

The video goes viral overnight, catapulting the risk-averse Sonam into the dizzying world of internet fame. As she navigates brand deals, media attention, and the adoration of strangers, she begins to discover a confidence and a passion she never knew she possessed. But her newfound stardom puts her on a collision course with Arjun, who returns from a failed audition trip to find his wife living the life he always dreamed of. Their marriage is tested as envy, cultural expectations, and their own hidden desires clash in the public spotlight.

Creative Vision

This section outlines the creative direction, including title concepts, tonal inspirations, and the intended musical landscape for the film.

Title Brainstorm

Below are several working titles being considered. The current favorite is "Like Nobody's Watching," but click on any title to see how it feels.

Like Nobody's Watching

The First Dance

Click, Like, Follow

Choreographed Arrangement

i-rranged marriage

Arranged Content

Content

Inspiration & Tone

The film will blend the sharp, contemporary social commentary of shows like "Made in Heaven" with a heartfelt, character-driven emotional core. The tone will be dramedic, balancing humor and pathos as it explores the absurdities of internet culture and the complexities of modern love.

Musical Direction

The soundtrack will feature a mix of contemporary indie tracks and an original score. We are exploring collaborations with producers and also using AI tools for unique soundscapes.

Research & Analysis

An overview of the market positioning for the film, including core narrative tropes, target audience, and successful comparable titles.

Narrative Tropes & Themes

✓ Fish Out of Water: A risk-averse manager thrust into the unpredictable world of internet fame.
✓ Arranged Marriage: Explores the complexities and expectations of a modern arranged marriage.
✓ Hidden Identity / Secret Life: Both characters hide their true ambitions from each other and the world.
✓ Viral Fame: A central plot device that examines the sudden and chaotic nature of becoming an internet sensation.

Audience & Market

Target Demographics

Primarily female-skewing, ages 25-54, with an interest in romantic comedies, cultural stories, and dramas.

Comparable Films (Comps)

The film positions itself alongside successful cross-cultural dramedies like "The Big Sick" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", which found broad audiences by blending specific cultural experiences with universal themes of love and identity.

Keywords

Dramedy Romance Culture Clash Social Media Identity Bollywood Arranged Marriage

The Creative Team

Meet the creative minds bringing this story to life. Our team brings a wealth of experience in filmmaking, storytelling, and digital media.

Ben Goldenberg

Producer

A seasoned producer with a knack for developing compelling character-driven stories for a global audience.

Press & Profiles

Playback: White Collar Win YorkU: Project Direct Win

Alan Schwartz

Writer

Known for his poignant and humorous storytelling, such as "The Grandmother Who Tried to Save The World."

Suzette Laqua

Director

An award-winning director and author, Suzette brings a unique narrative and visual flair to her projects.

Sonam Chourasia

Social Media Consultant

A social media influencer who provides an authentic perspective on the world of viral content and online culture.

Scene Excerpt

A snapshot from an early draft of the script. Note: The protagonist's name is Aadhya in this version.

ARJUN

I'm going to read for a different part for a different film tomorrow, it's just not a leading role. I can only hope I'll have a more interested person to read the lines with. The main reason I called is to tell you I Love you and I wish you would have come with me...

AADHYA

(Smiling) You made me very happy Arjun, I always want to go with you. The Wedding is fantastic. We are having fun.

ARJUN

You look very pretty. Have a wonderful rest of the evening. I'm going to sleep but I'll see you soon.

AADHYA

Good Night Arjun, Sweet Dreams and Kick some butt tomorrow when you audition.

...

SUNITA

Do you have any idea what happened while you were away?

AADHYA

(Confused) No clue. What happened?

SUNITA

(Laughing) The video of you dancing has gone viral, really viral. You already have twenty five thousand views and it's only been a couple of minutes. Do you know what this means Aadhya?

AADHYA

(Stunned) No.

SUNITA

You are going to be a Star.

END SCENE