Putul, which earned a Best International Feature nomination at the Oscars earlier this year, was praised for its delicate yet powerful storytelling, exploring the trauma and resilience of a young girl in post-conflict Bengal. With evocative visuals, sparse dialogue, and profound emotional depth, Haldar positioned herself as one of the most promising voices in contemporary world cinema.
While details about her new project remain tightly under wraps, sources close to the production reveal that the film—tentatively titled Neel Raat Ki Dastaan (Tale of a Blue Night)—is another intimate, female-driven narrative set in a border town during monsoon. Haldar will present the first look and teaser of the film at a special Un Certain Regard event on May 19 at Cannes.
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In a brief statement ahead of her Cannes appearance, Haldar said,
“Putul gave me the courage to explore the unsaid, the unseen, and the unheard. This next film continues that journey—one that moves across silence, memory, and longing. I’m honoured to share the first glimpse of this story at a festival that celebrates cinematic visionaries.”
Haldar is reportedly collaborating once again with Putul’s cinematographer, Finnish visual artist Antero Laine, and composer Neha Sen, whose minimalist score was widely lauded. The project is co-produced by Mumbai-based Indigo Films and a French indie studio, with a multilingual cast.
Festival insiders suggest that Neel Raat Ki Dastaan may be in competition at major festivals later this year, possibly Venice or Toronto, with a theatrical release eyed for early 2026.
As one of the few South Asian female directors to break through on the global festival circuit, Anamika Haldar’s return to Cannes is being hailed as a significant moment—not just for Indian cinema, but for women storytellers across the world.
Stay tuned for exclusive coverage of the unveiling, behind-the-scenes insights, and red-carpet moments from Cannes 2025.
