Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS): A 12-minute short film has been turned into a feature film titled "Time Out" with the idea of reaching out to the audience and challenging the common notion that youths are not "allowed to have a voice or a mind of our own".

Talking about the ethos of the movie, director Rikhil Bahadur said in a statement: "We are constantly told to sit straight, talk right, boy's don't cry, shouldn't play sports... Basically never allowed to have a voice or a mind of our own. Through 'Time Out', I want to reach out and challenge that.

"Why can't we be who we are and embrace ourselves. I think a majority of issues we face in our country would be resolved if only we learn to accept."

The film's journey started as a 12-minute short, which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012. It later got picked by Viacom18 Motion Pictures to be made into a feature film.

"This heart-wrenching story received a lot of appreciation globally as a 12-minute short film. This gave me the drive to dedicate the next four years of my life to go all out and bring this story of acceptance and exploring sexuality in a teenage world," Bahadur added.

Producer Shachi Sharma of Aexor Entertainment got associated with the film during the scripting.

"By that time, the short film was already screened at Cannes. That doubled my interest and belief in making a feature film on this subject.

"Once the feature-length script was written by Rikhil, we pitched the film to Viacom18 Motion Pictures, where the creative team loved the idea of a film in the teenage space, talking directly to the youth of the country," Sharma said.

The film also launches two new faces Chirag Malhotra and Pranay Pachauri.

Chirag, who was also a part of the short film, will be seen essaying the role of Gaurav Agarwal, while Pranay, who has especially been roped in for the feature film, will be seen playing his elder brother named Mihir.

"The film is something the youth will associate to. In our country, we are judged for everything we say. The message we are trying to put out is that no matter what, you must learn to accept yourself just the way you are," said Pranay, who plays a gay character in the film.

For Chirag, "it was great to be a part of the short film and it feels even better to be a part of the feature film".

"It's bigger and better with lots of fun, music, friendship, love and laughter," Chirag added.

"Time Out" will release on September 25.