Kolkata, 31st October 2026: Following an impressive journey across international film festivals and winning 18 international awards, including 15 Best Film honours, the internationally acclaimed Indian feature film PYRE (चिता) received a special screening in Kolkata today, 31 October 2026. Written and directed by Vinod Kapri, the screening brought the film’s deeply moving story to Kolkata audiences.
Set against the picturesque Himalayas of Uttarakhand, PYRE explores the universal themes of love, companionship, ageing and loneliness. The film revolves around an elderly couple living in an almost deserted mountain village, holding on to each other as they navigate the challenges of growing old.
Adding to the film’s authenticity are its lead actors, 80-year-old Padam Singh and 70-year-old Heera Devi, both local residents with no professional acting background, whose natural performances bring remarkable emotional depth to the narrative.
International Acclaim:
PYRE premiered at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it received a standing ovation and the Audience Award. The film has since earned several international accolades, including:
- Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival – Audience Award
- London Indian Film Festival – Audience Award
- Indian Film Festival Stuttgart – German Star of India Award for Best Feature Film
- Birmingham Indian Film Festival – Audience Award
- DC South Asian Film Festival – Best Feature Film
The film has also received appreciation from acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta and legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar.
The music has been composed by Academy Award-winning composer Mychael Danna and Saar Singhal, with lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by renowned classical singer Shruti Sadolikar.
Produced by Vinod Kapri, Arindra Rai Chaudhuri and Suresh Joshi, PYRE is more than just a story about ageing; it is a poignant reflection on enduring love, companionship and the memories that bind two lives together.
The film released in cinemas across India on 30 October 2026.
