LoggedLife

Vikash Kumar

June 6, 2025

Logline – Your Story in One Sentence

Logline – Your Story in One Sentence

A logline is a one or two-sentence summary of a film that concisely captures its core concept, protagonist, conflict, and stakes. It acts as a hook—designed to grab attention, intrigue the audience, and quickly communicate what makes the story unique.

A strong logline should answer three key questions:

Who is the protagonist? (Main character)

What is their goal or conflict? (What are they trying to achieve?)

What’s at stake? (What happens if they fail?)

Why is a Logline Important?

First impression: It’s the first thing producers, investors, or studios look at to decide if a story is worth considering.

Marketing tool: It helps generate interest among audiences, journalists, and distributors.

Story clarity: Writing a logline forces the filmmaker to crystallize the core of their story, ensuring a clear and compelling premise.

How to Write an Effective Logline

A great logline is:

✅ Concise (1-2 sentences, under 30 words)

✅ Clear (Uses simple, direct language)

✅ Intriguing (Makes readers want to know more)

✅ Character-driven (Centers on the protagonist's journey)

It follows this structure:

When [INCITING INCIDENT] occurs, a [PROTAGONIST] must [GOAL/CONFLICT], or else [STAKES].

Examples of Loglines (Indian Films)

📌 Andhadhun (2018)

"A blind pianist’s life is turned upside down when he unwittingly becomes the sole witness to a murder, pulling him into a dangerous web of deception where nothing is as it seems."

📌 Drishyam (2015)

"A devoted father goes to extreme lengths to cover up an accidental crime and protect his family when the police start closing in on the truth."

📌 Kahaani (2012)

"A pregnant woman arrives in Kolkata searching for her missing husband, only to uncover a chilling conspiracy that threatens her life and everything she believed to be true."

📌 Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

"Spanning generations, a relentless feud between rival crime families erupts in the coal mafia world of Wasseypur, where betrayal, power, and revenge dictate survival."

Breaking Down a Logline with Andhadhun

Let’s analyze the Andhadhun logline to see how it works:

🔹 "A blind pianist’s life is turned upside down" → Protagonist & Setup

The main character (Akash) and his apparent blindness set the stage.

“Turned upside down” hints at major conflict/disruption.

🔹 "When he unwittingly becomes the sole witness to a murder" → Inciting Incident

This is the moment that kicks off the story—the event that changes everything.

The fact that he is "blind" adds an irony—can he really be a witness?

🔹 "Pulling him into a dangerous web of deception" → Conflict

Now, he is trapped in a deadly situation with no easy escape.

🔹 "Where nothing is as it seems" → Mystery & Theme

This hints that the film is full of twists and hidden truths.

Tips for Writing Your Own Logline

💡 Start with the core conflict: What is the biggest problem the protagonist faces?

💡 Be specific, not vague: Instead of "A man must fight for survival," say "A washed-up boxer must win one last fight to pay off a deadly debt."

💡 Highlight uniqueness: What makes your story stand out? Is there an unexpected twist, unusual setting, or fresh perspective?

💡 Use action-packed language: Avoid passive phrases like "a man who is involved in a problem" and use strong verbs like "must escape," "discovers," "unleashes," or "battles."