In a significant development for Indian cinema, two films produced by Jio Studios, “Mrs” and “Sumo Didi,” are slated to be showcased at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF). This announcement was made by the filmmakers on Thursday, generating considerable excitement in the film community.
Both movies will be presented on the festival’s final day, with “Mrs,” starring Sanya Malhotra, taking the coveted closing night slot on June 2. Directed by Arati Kadav, “Mrs” is a compelling tale of a woman’s fortitude and tenacity. The Hindi film is a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film “The Great Indian Kitchen” by director Jeo Baby.
Sanya Malhotra, recognized for her performances in “Pagglait” and “Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery,” expressed her elation about the film’s inclusion in the festival. “Playing Richa, a character wrestling with the delicate balance between tradition and ambition, was an immense honor and responsibility. This role embodies the struggles of many Indian women. Bringing this character to life has been incredibly rewarding, and I am eagerly waiting to share it with the world,” Malhotra stated.
Director Arati Kadav expressed her gratitude as well: “I feel truly privileged that we have been chosen as the closing film of such an esteemed film festival. Our aim with this film is to connect with Indian audiences living not just in India but abroad, and this platform helps us reach the diaspora.”
Presented by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios, “Mrs” also features notable actors Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Pammi Baweja, and Harman Baweja. Harman Baweja shared the team’s enthusiasm, saying, “We can’t wait to share our labor of love with audiences in New York.”
In addition to its inclusion in NYIFF, “Mrs” has already garnered accolades at the 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival in California and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. The film has also secured two prestigious nominations at NYIFF: best actress for Sanya Malhotra and best director for Arati Kadav.
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On the other hand, “Sumo Didi,” another promising film from Jio Studios, is inspired by the life of India’s first woman sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave. Shriyam Bhagnani stars in the titular role, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of this extraordinary athlete. Directed by debutant filmmaker Jayant Rohatgi, the film also features Chaitnya Sharma in a significant role.
Presented in collaboration with Fresh Lime Films and MA + TH, “Sumo Didi” has already made waves at film festivals in Tokyo and Palm Springs. Jayant Rohatgi expressed his excitement, saying, “After a heart-warming response at Tokyo and Palm Springs, I am thrilled to be part of another prestigious film festival in NYIFF. It’s a privilege to be amidst such powerful films and filmmakers celebrating the best of Indian cinema.”
“Sumo Didi” has also secured noteworthy nominations at NYIFF, including best debut film for Rohatgi and best screenplay for Nikhil Sachan. The film has been produced by Deshpande, Akash Chawla, Amit Chandrra, and Arunava Sengupta.
The New York Indian Film Festival, an esteemed platform that showcases some of the finest Indian cinema, will commence on May 31. With films like “Mrs” and “Sumo Didi,” the festival promises to deliver a diverse and compelling range of narratives that capture the multifaceted essence of Indian culture and stories.
The inclusion of these two films highlights the growing recognition and appreciation of Indian cinema on international platforms. It reflects the industry’s ability to tell diverse stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. For Jio Studios, this is an affirmation of their commitment to producing quality content that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
As the NYIFF draws near, anticipation builds around the screenings of “Mrs” and “Sumo Didi.” These films promise to offer viewers not just entertainment, but poignant narratives that explore themes of resilience, ambition, and cultural identity.
