Huma Qureshi’s ‘Bayaan’ Makes the Cut for TIFF 2025 Discovery Lineup
Bayaan, a gripping police procedural thriller featuring Huma Qureshi, has secured its place at the prestigious 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film will make its world premiere in the Discovery section, marking it as the sole Indian entry in this category for the year. Directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, known for his work on Chauranga, Bayaan promises to deliver a compelling narrative that explores themes of power, faith, and systemic injustice.
Film Production and Development
Bayaan is a collaborative effort between Platoon One Films and Summit Studios, with additional contributions from producers Kunal Kumar and Anuj Gupta, alongside Switzerland-based Sadik Keshwani of Guidant Films. Huma Qureshi also takes on the role of executive producer for the project. The film’s development was supported by Film Independent’s LA Residency, part of the Global Media Makers program. During this residency, director Bikas Ranjan Mishra received mentorship from notable figures such as Craig Mazin, known for his work on Chernobyl and The Last of Us, as well as guidance from writer Jeff Stockwell and story editor Ruth Atkinson.
Mishra expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to showcase Bayaan at TIFF, stating, “It is my attempt to bear witness to a society in transition — and to the quiet courage of those who choose to speak.” He highlighted the significance of the Discovery section as a platform that has propelled many filmmakers’ careers.
Cast and Themes
In addition to Huma Qureshi, Bayaan features a talented ensemble cast, including Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra. Qureshi described the film as a “timely and powerful story” that delves into critical societal issues. She noted that the character she portrays is deeply entrenched within the justice system yet faces overwhelming external forces. “It was an absolute joy to work with a team so passionate and fearless in telling a story that feels both vital and universal,” she shared.
The film’s narrative is designed to resonate with audiences, tackling the complexities of justice and the courage required to confront systemic challenges.
Production Insights and Future Prospects
Shiladitya Bora, the founder of Platoon One Films, emphasized the film’s global appeal and the importance of TIFF as a launchpad for its international journey. He remarked, “As a producer, I’m always looking for that one script that can be a breakout film for everyone involved—and with Bayaan, I knew we had something powerful.” Bora highlighted the ethos of his production company, which aims to champion new voices and stories that provoke thought and connection.
Bayaan boasts impressive technical credentials, featuring cinematography by Udit Khurana, editing by National Award winner A. Sreekar Prasad, music by Ajay Jayanthi, and costumes designed by Shilpi Agarwal. The film has also received support from the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund, further enhancing its prospects for success on the global stage.
As anticipation builds for its premiere, Bayaan is poised to make a significant impact at TIFF and beyond, showcasing the rich storytelling potential of Indian cinema.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
