In a grand unveiling attended by notable figures from the film industry, Bollywood’s megastar Hrithik Roshan presented the trailer for the upcoming independent film ‘Pushtaini’ on Monday. This highly anticipated release marks the feature directorial debut of Hrithik’s acting mentor, Vinod Rawat. Slated for a theatrical release on June 21, ‘Pushtaini’ is already generating a buzz among cinephiles and industry insiders alike.
The heartwarming drama centers around the character Bhuppi, portrayed by Vinod Rawat himself, who is a struggling actor returning to his hometown to procure the necessary funds for his last shot at stardom. This role thrusts him into a deeply emotional journey that takes him back to his roots, compelling him to face unresolved issues from his past amidst the serene backdrop of mountainous terrain.
Initially premiering in South Asia at the prestigious 2023 Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, ‘Pushtaini’ has earned accolades for its evocative storytelling and stellar performances. The film also includes a special cameo by the versatile actor Rajkummar Rao, adding more excitement to its already intriguing narrative.
At the event, Hrithik Roshan praised Vinod Rawat with heartfelt admiration. “Vinod Rawat’s ‘Pushtaini’ left me completely awestruck,” Hrithik stated. “Vinod was not only exceptional as an actor, playing Bhuppi with all his heart, but also displayed incredible mastery over the craft as a director. I was bowled over by how he wore all the hats and delivered a film rich with moments that remained with me long after the screen faded to black.”
The sentiment echoed throughout the room, as industry stalwarts and fans marveled at Vinod’s multifaceted talent. Hrithik further expressed his pride in Vinod’s achievements and excitement over sharing his work with a broader audience. “This is for the team. This is for all who dream, for the ones who overcome their fears and strive to deliver with honesty,” Hrithik added, reinforcing the film’s emotional and inspirational undertones.
‘Pushtaini’ chronicles the tumultuous journey of Bhuppi, who after finding himself embroiled in a humiliating scandal, is compelled to return to his native village. In the film, viewers see him navigating through the physical and emotional challenges posed by his past and the rugged yet beautiful mountainous terrain.
. Rawat’s performance as Bhuppi has been described as profoundly moving and authentic.
Vinod Rawat, previously known for co-directing the acclaimed Sushmita Sen-starrer ‘Aarya’ alongside filmmaker Ram Madhvani, has now ventured into acting, directing, writing, and producing with ‘Pushtaini.’ The film’s production also includes contributions from non-professional actors, many of whom are Rawat’s own family members, lending an added layer of authenticity to the project.
“‘Pushtaini’ is a deeply personal film,” said an emotional Vinod Rawat at the trailer launch. “All a debut filmmaker needs is a leap of faith and a gentle whisper of support from close friends. To then have the backing of Hrithik, whom I have known and admired immensely over the years, is a monumental moment for me. I’ve had the fortune of working with him, and now to collaborate in a different capacity is thrilling. Following its highly successful premiere at MAMI, I am thrilled that ‘Pushtaini’ will finally be accessible to a global audience.”
The independent film delves into sensitive themes such as the complexities of the father-son relationship, the arduous realities of migration, and the nuanced journey of an aspiring actor. Shot entirely in Vinod Rawat’s ancestral village in Uttarakhand, ‘Pushtaini’ promises to portray these themes with raw honesty, seamlessly combining personal narrative with broader societal issues.
Expressing his gratitude, Rawat acknowledged Rajkummar Rao’s special appearance in ‘Pushtaini.’ “I’m incredibly thankful to Rajkummar Rao for believing in my creative vision and agreeing to contribute to ‘Pushtaini’ with an extremely special cameo,” said Rawat. His relationship with the cast and crew is one of deep affection and mutual respect, which is reflected in the film’s authentic portrayal of its story.
Produced by Lotus Dust Pictures and VinRaw Films, ‘Pushtaini’ is poised for a nationwide release through Shiladitya Bora’s Platoon Distribution on June 21. With the backing of Hrithik Roshan and the surging buzz from its film festival success, ‘Pushtaini’ is one of this year’s most anticipated films, promising audiences an evocative cinematic experience grounded in intimate storytelling and heartfelt performances.
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