Sanju Surendran’s *Khidki Gaav* to Debut at Busan Film Festival

Quick Summary

• Filmmaker Sanju Surendran’s feature film If on a Winter’s Night (Khidki Gaav) will have its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.
• The film has been officially selected in the Asia Vision category of the festival,which is scheduled to take place from September 17 to 26.
• Shot entirely in Delhi, the movie offers a lyrical portrayal of love and ambition amidst the living contradictions of urban life.
• Payal Kapadia, an award-winning director, serves as executive producer for the film.
• Cinematography by Manesh Madhavan, a two-time winner of Kerala State Film Award for best cinematography; screenplay written by Rekha Raj.
• Cast includes Roshan Abdul Rahoof, Bhanupriya Jitheesh Raichel, Arathy K.B., and Shobana Sharma.
• The movie reflects cultural and architectural juxtaposition in Khirki village-a settlement that dates back to the 14th century near Saket’s modern malls-with influences ranging from medieval shrines to contemporary art spaces like Khoj and Community Library Project.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The selection of Khidki Gaav for its world premiere at an internationally renowned event like Busan International Film Festival showcases India’s growing cinematic presence on global platforms. By focusing on Delhi’s Khirki village-a microcosm blending historical depth with contemporary consumerism-the film highlights themes highly relevant to India’s urban evolution: heritage versus modernization and diversity versus homogenization.

Cinematically speaking, collaborations between accomplished professionals such as Manesh Madhavan (cinematography) and Payal Kapadia (executive production) suggest quality storytelling rooted both in artistry and technical finesse. Additionally, featuring global contrasts within familiar indian contexts could resonate universally with audiences who value subtle social commentary through visual narratives.

For India’s filmmakers exploring niche cinema centered around local authenticity within international settings serves both as cultural exportation and soft power enhancement-projecting India beyond stereotypical portrayals while engaging critically with societal realities.

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