Vrindkavi is an independent publishing studio that reimagines Indian history, mythology, and folklore through award-winning graphic novels. Our titles – Vikram Vetaal, Ramayan: Aarambha Kanda, and Parashuram: Blood and Dharma – blend scholarly depth with artistic flair. Parashuram earned the 2025 FICCI Best Animated Frames award for Best Graphic Novel. Building on this legacy, we now launch Vrindkavi Story Frames, our first nationwide competition for illustrators and writers. A single theme will be unveiled just as the creative window opens, and every entry must respond to it, yet participants are free to interpret and express the idea visually, narratively, or structurally in their own style. Whether you craft panels or prose or both, this contest offers a platform to challenge yourself, showcase originality, and contribute to India’s vibrant storytelling landscape.

Vrindkavi believes that India is home to a vast pool of creative talent that often goes unrecognised due to limited access to platforms and support. Many brilliant artists and writers remain on the margins simply because they lack the opportunity to be seen. With this competition, we hope to take a small but meaningful step toward changing that. Our goal is to create an ecosystem that nurtures emerging talent, celebrates originality, and provides visibility to voices that deserve to be heard. We want to encourage artistic risk-taking, empower creators, and help foster a vibrant storytelling community in India.

For participants, Vrindkavi Story Frames offers not just a platform, but also recognition. Selected entries will be showcased across our digital channels, and winners will receive a cash prize of ₹20,000 each. Beyond the award, we hope this competition becomes a space where creators connect, grow, and feel inspired to continue pursuing their craft. If you have a story to tell or a vision to share, we invite you to be part of this journey.

Prize

The winner of the Comic Category will receive a cash prize of ₹20,000.

The winner of the Script Category will also receive a cash prize of ₹20,000.

In addition to the prize money, the top three entries in each category will be showcased on Vrindkavi’s official website and social media platforms as part of a curated feature.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum Age: You must be 18 years or older on the date the competition is announced.
  • Citizenship and Residence: You must be a citizen of India and also living in India at the time of applying.
  • Experience: No experience is needed. The contest is open to both beginners and professionals.
  • Language for Communication: All official communication will be in English.
  • ID Proof: You must submit a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Driving License).
  • Internet & Contact Access: You must have stable internet, a working email ID, and a valid WhatsApp number to register and receive updates.
  • Conflict of Interest: If you are an employee, intern, or contractor currently working with Vrindkavi, you cannot participate in the contest.

Registration Process

Participants must register through the official VSF25 Registration Google Form. A direct registration link and a QR code will be provided on all official Vrindkavi communication channels, including the website and social media platforms.

Upon successful registration:

  • Participants will be added to an official WhatsApp group for all important updates, reminders, and clarifications.
  • Communication related to theme announcements, submission links, and result declarations will be shared through this group.

Please note:

  • Only one registration per person is allowed. Multiple registrations may lead to disqualification.
  • Ensure that all information provided in the registration form is accurate and complete.
  • Registration is mandatory to receive the WhatsApp Group Invitation, theme, submission link, and other updates.
  • If you do not complete the registration process before the deadline, you will not be eligible to participate.

Rules

  • Theme Interpretation: You are free to interpret the theme in your own way, but your submission must clearly connect to the theme. Entries that ignore or fail to engage with the theme may be disqualified.
  • Original Work Only: Your entry must be completely original, made only during the contest period, and must not have been submitted to any other contest before. Reused, copied, or previously submitted work may be disqualified.
  • No Plagiarism or Copyrighted Material: You cannot use anything in your entry that is copied from someone else or protected by copyright. If any part of your submission is plagiarised or copyrighted, it may be disqualified.
  • Artificial Intelligence Use: You can use AI tools to brainstorm, do research, or make outlines. But your final submission must not contain any AI-generated text, art, or design. If it does, your entry may be disqualified.
  • Individual Effort Only: Participants must complete their submission entirely on their own. While you are allowed to consult or discuss ideas with others, you are not permitted to receive any assistance in the actual creative process including writing, drawing, editing, or designing your entry. Any submission found to involve external help in its creation may be disqualified.
  • Language: You can submit your work in any official Indian language. If it’s not in English, you must also include an English translation.
  • Individual Participation Only: Only individuals can take part. Team or group entries are not allowed.
  • One or Both Categories: You can enter either the Illustration category, the Writing category, or both. If you enter both, you must submit each entry separately.
  • One Entry per Category: You can submit only one entry per category. If you send more than one in the same category, all your entries may be disqualified.
  • Submission Deadline: You must submit your entry before the deadline. Late entries will not be accepted.
  • Submission Format: Follow the file format and naming instructions provided in the submission guidelines. Entries that do not follow the correct format may be rejected.
  • No Changes After Submission: Once you submit your entry, you cannot change or withdraw it.

Guidelines

Comic Category

  • Paper Dimensions: A5 (148mm x 210mm), Portrait, 600 DPI.
    • For submissions created using traditional methods (i.e., drawn on paper with pen, pencil, ink, etc.), please ensure scans are at 300 DPI minimum and properly aligned.
    • Digital artwork (i.e. made using software like Procreate, Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint etc.) should be exported at 600 DPI.
  • Number of Pages: Minimum 12 pages
  • Comic Structure: Your comic must contain the following -
    • Title and Cover Art
    • Name of Artist and Contact Information (e.g. phone number, email address, social media handles)
    • Optional: A short note about Inspiration or dedication.
    • A brief note explaining your interpretation of the theme
    • A short blurb or synopsis of your comic
  • Colour Expression: May be Black and White or Full Colour.
  • Export Format: Export your final comic as a single PDF file.
  • File Naming Convention: VSF25_comic_[yourname]_[submissiontitle].
    • For example if your name is "Anugya Arya" and the title of your submission is "Masters of Rivers", then the name of your PDF file should be “VSF25_comic_anugyaarya_mastersofrivers.pdf”
  • Any and all Art styles and genres are welcome.

A sample comic is attached for your reference.

Script Category

  • Page Dimensions: Your script must follow the following dimensions and font standards -
    • A4 (210mm x 297mm)
    • Portrait
    • 12-point font size
    • 1.15 line spacing
    • Aptos/Times New Roman/Arial font face,
    • 2.54cm (1 inch) margins on all sides.
  • Number of Pages: Minimum 12 pages.
    • Note: This does not mean that your script should correspond to 12 pages of a comic. It means that your script itself should be a minimum of 12 pages. If a comic were to be adapted from your script, it would require a lot more than 12 pages.
  • Script Structure: Your script must contain the following -
    • Title of Script.
    • Name of Author
    • Contact Details of Author (e.g. phone number, email, social media handles.)
    • Optional: A short note about your inspiration or dedication.
    • A brief note explaining your interpretation of the theme.
  • Export Format: Export your final script as a single PDF file.
  • File naming convention: VSF25_script_[yourname]_[submissiontitle].
    • For example if your name is "Anugya Arya" and the title of your submission is "Masters of Rivers", then the name of your PDF file should be “VSF25_script_anugyaarya_mastersofrivers.pdf”
  • Any and all genres are welcome.

A sample script is attached for your reference.

Submission Process

All registered participants will receive access to the official submission form via a direct link and QR code. This will be shared through the official WhatsApp group, Vrindkavi website, and social media channels on the day the submission window opens.

Participants must:

  • Upload their final entry through the provided Google Form.
  • Ensure the file is named according to the naming convention specified in the guidelines.
  • Submit only one entry per category. Multiple submissions in the same category may result in disqualification.
  • Make sure the file is in PDF format and does not exceed any stated size limits.

Please note:

  • Submissions will only be accepted through the official form.
  • Late submissions or entries sent via email, drive links, or other methods will not be considered.
  • Once submitted, entries cannot be edited, replaced, or withdrawn.

Announcements and Prize Distribution

After the evaluation process concludes, the winner in each category (Comic and Script) will be officially announced on Vrindkavi’s website and social media platforms. In addition, the top three entries in each category will be showcased on the Vrindkavi website as part of a curated display celebrating the best submissions.

Winners will also be individually contacted by the Vrindkavi team through the contact information provided at the time of registration. Once the winners share their valid bank account details, the cash prize of ₹20,000 (per category) will be processed within 7 working days. Any delays due to incomplete or incorrect information will be communicated directly.

Timeline

12:00 PM Sunday, 03 August 2025

  • Competition Announcement - Official launch of the contest. Guidelines, eligibility, and submission categories are made public.
  • Registration Begins - Participants may begin registering for the competition using the official form or platform.

11:59 PM Saturday, 23 August 2025

  • Registration Deadline - Last day to register. Late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances.

12:00 PM Sunday, 24 August 2025

  • Theme Announcement - Official release of the theme. All entries must be based on or inspired by this theme.
  • Submission Period Begins - Participants may begin uploading their final entries as per the format and submission guidelines.

11:59 PM Sunday, 21 September 2025

  • Submission Deadline - Final deadline for submission. No extensions will be allowed after this point.

12:00 PM Monday, 22 September 2025

  • Evaluation Starts - Jury begins reviewing all valid entries.

11:59 PM Saturday, 27 September 2025

  • Evaluation Ends - Jury completes the evaluation process. Finalists and winners are determined.

12:00 PM Sunday, 28 September 2025

  • Showcase and Winner Announcement - Results will be declared on official channels. Selected entries will be showcased online.

12:00 PM Sunday, 05 October 2025

  • Prize Distribution - Prizes and certificates will be distributed to winners via email or post. Winners will be contacted individually.

Rights Reserved by Vrindkavi

  • Right to Disqualify: Vrindkavi reserves the right to disqualify any submission that violates the rules, eligibility criteria, or the spirit of the competition, including but not limited to plagiarism, copyright infringement, AI misuse, or incomplete submissions.
  • Right to Verify Identity: Vrindkavi may request proof of identity, age, or residency at any point during the competition. Failure to provide valid documentation may result in disqualification.
  • Right to Reject or Withhold Prizes: Prizes may be withheld or revoked if a winning entry is later found to be ineligible or in violation of the competition rules.
  • Right to Edit for Display: By submitting an entry, participants grant Vrindkavi the right to showcase, promote, or exhibit their work (with due credit), including excerpts or visual previews, in print or digital form. Vrindkavi may make minor edits for formatting or clarity while maintaining the integrity of the work.
  • Right to Use Submission for Promotion: Vrindkavi may use submitted entries for non-commercial promotional purposes related to the contest — including social media, website features, press releases, exhibitions, or event presentations — with appropriate credit to the creator.
  • No Transfer of Ownership: Vrindkavi does not claim ownership of your original work. All rights to the submitted content remain with the creator. However, by submitting, you grant Vrindkavi a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display and promote your work as described above.
  • Right to Modify Competition Details: Vrindkavi reserves the right to modify the contest timeline, rules, or evaluation process if necessary. Any changes will be communicated clearly on official channels.
  • Right to Deny Participation: Vrindkavi reserves the right to deny any individual entry into the competition for any reason, at its sole discretion, without the need to provide justification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I participate in both the Comic and Script categories?
Yes, you may participate in both categories. However, you must submit a separate entry for each category and follow the specific guidelines and naming conventions for each.

Can I submit more than one entry in the same category?
No. Only one entry is allowed per category. Submitting more than one entry in the same category may result in disqualification.

Can I work with a friend or as part of a team?
No. This is an individual competition. While you may consult others for feedback or discussion, the actual creative work must be done entirely by you.

What if I miss the registration deadline?
Unfortunately, late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances. You must register within the announced timeline to be eligible.

How will I receive the theme and submission link?
The theme and the submission link will be shared on the official WhatsApp group, Vrindkavi’s website, and our social media channels on the specified date.

Will I receive a certificate for participating?
Yes. All participants who submit a valid entry will receive a certificate of participation.

What if I face technical issues while submitting my entry?
If you encounter any issues with the submission form, contact us immediately through the support email or WhatsApp group before the deadline. We will do our best to assist you.

Can I make changes to my entry after submitting it?
No. Once submitted, entries cannot be edited, replaced, or withdrawn. Please review your work carefully before submission.

What counts as AI-generated content?
Any text, artwork, or visual design generated using tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E, etc., constitutes AI-generated content. You may use such tools for research or brainstorming, but your final submission must be fully human made

How will the prize money be distributed?
Winners will be contacted individually. Once they provide valid bank account details, the prize money will be transferred within 7 working days.

Contact

Name: Arnav Anand
Phone Number: 9910318506
Email Address: arnavanand2022@gmail.com

Click the Button Below to Register Now!

Registrations Start on 03 August 2025