Canada, Ontario, Toronto: Indian cinema made a remarkable mark at this year’s festival, featuring screenings of Hansal Mehta’s series Gandhi, Anurag Kashyap’s Monkey In A Cage, and Bikas Mishra’s Bayaan.
The 2025 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), celebrating its golden jubilee, concluded with a strong global spotlight on Indian storytelling. Two Indian films earned critical acclaim, highlighting the richness and variety of narratives emerging from the country.
Jitank Singh Gurjar’s Vimukt (In Search of the Sky) was recognized as Best Film from Asia and the Pacific, while Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound secured third place in the prestigious International People’s Choice Awards, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with worldwide cinema icons.
Vimukt: A Tale of Resilience in Rural India
Directed by emerging filmmaker Jitank Singh Gurjar, Vimukt (In Search of the Sky) offers a poignant and unvarnished glimpse into life in a poverty-stricken Central Indian village, steeped in tradition and superstition.
The story revolves around Jasrath and Vidya, an elderly couple striving to survive—Jasrath labors at a brick kiln while Vidya sells dried cow dung patties for fuel. Their struggle is compounded by social stigma surrounding their mentally challenged son, Naran, whose presence evokes both love and societal shame.
Performances have earned widespread acclaim. Nikhil Yadav’s portrayal of Naran is deeply affecting, while Raghvendra Bhadoria and Meghna Agarwal capture the quiet dignity of Jasrath and Vidya. Co-written by Gurjar and Pooja Vishal Sharma and beautifully shot by cinematographer Shelly Sharma, the 87-minute independent film radiates authenticity. With Pavan Theurkar’s editing, Tushar Tyagi’s executive production, and Pooja Vishal Sharma’s production oversight, the film represents a significant milestone.
For Gurjar, a Gwalior-based theater artist making only his second feature, this recognition at one of the world’s largest festivals signals a promising expansion of his cinematic journey.
Homebound: Dreams, Friendship, and Service
The TIFF People’s Choice Award is one of the festival’s most sought-after accolades. While Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice (South Korea) and Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value (Denmark/Norway) took the top two positions, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound claimed a distinguished third place, affirming India’s growing international creative presence.
Set in a small North Indian village, Homebound follows friends Chandan (Vishal Jethwa) and Shoaib (Ishan Khattar) as they aspire to join the police force. Their dream is tested by financial difficulties, religious tensions, and political unrest, reflecting the broader challenges faced by contemporary India.
The film’s impact has been amplified by the involvement of Martin Scorsese as executive producer, highlighting its global significance. Pratik Shah’s cinematography, Naren Chandavarkar and Benedict Taylor’s evocative score, and Nitin Baid’s precise editing elevate the storytelling. Janhvi Kapoor contributes depth to the ensemble, while Ghaywan, celebrated for his Cannes-winning Masaan (2015), solidifies his reputation as one of India’s most daring filmmakers.
A Broader Indian Presence at TIFF
Indian cinema enjoyed strong visibility throughout the festival, including screenings of Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi, Anurag Kashyap’s Monkey In A Cage, and Bikas Mishra’s Bayaan. TIFF Classics also honored cinema legends by celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sholay alongside Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest).
The consistent global recognition of South Asian films owes much to Meenakshi Shedde, veteran filmmaker, writer, and senior TIFF program advisor, who has championed regional voices for over forty years.
TIFF 2025 by the Numbers
This jubilee edition showcased over 1,200 screenings of 280 films from 79 countries, including 110 red-carpet premieres, adding glamour to the festival’s 11-day run. Known as the “festival of festivals,” TIFF once again demonstrated the universal power of cinema to tell stories that resonate across cultures.
