VISHAAD Makes Powerful Debut at KIFF 2025 National Competition

The 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF 2025) has officially selected VISHAAD into its prestigious National Competition for Short & Documentary Films. This quiet yet emotionally resonant film represents the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where intimate storytelling takes precedence over grand spectacle.

A Masterful Creative Partnership

VISHAAD emerges from the collaborative vision of National Award-winning filmmaker Nilaanjan Reeta Datta and Filmfare Award-winning editor-screenwriter Navnita Sen. Produced by Finchbill Motion Pictures, the film ventures into unexplored emotional territory, examining themes of silence, memory, and unspoken longing through a visually restrained and atmospheric narrative.

The performances serve as the emotional anchor of this meditative piece. Rajeshwar delivers a remarkably controlled portrayal, while veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi brings substantial emotional depth through a sharply understated role. Ketaki Narayan completes the ensemble with a sensitive performance driven by subtle gestures rather than dialogue. Composer Ashu Chakraborty’s evocative score enhances the film’s immersive mood, moving harmoniously with the narrative’s deliberate silences.

Redefining Cinematic Expression

Under the restrained direction of Datta and Sen, VISHAAD unfolds as a cinematic reflection rather than conventional drama. Every frame feels intentional, every moment carefully measured. The film’s selection at KIFF 2025 signals growing recognition for character-driven short films in India’s entertainment industry—stories grounded in authenticity and emotional depth rather than spectacle.

VISHAAD stands as a testament to intimate filmmaking, a gentle cinematic pause designed to resonate long after the credits roll.