Huma Qureshi shines in ‘Bayaan,’ a groundbreaking police drama at Busan’s Asian Project Market

A star-studded collaboration

Huma Qureshi, renowned for her powerful performances in Gangs of Wasseypur, takes on a bold new role in Bayaan (The Testimony), a police drama that has just finished filming and is now making waves at the prestigious Busan Asian Project Market. Directed by the talented Bikas Ranjan Mishra, whose debut film Chauranga garnered acclaim at several international film festivals, Bayaan boasts an impressive production team. It is a cooperative effort involving Platoon One Films, Summit Studios, and producers Kunal Kumar and Anshuman Singh.

Plot driven by personal and societal challenges

Set in a small town in Rajasthan, Bayaan spotlights a female detective, played by Qureshi, as she tackles her first case as the lead investigator. The narrative delves deep into the adversities she faces, not just from her opponent’s entrenched local influence but also from the shadow of her father’s legendary reputation in law enforcement. The film promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of both personal and societal struggles.

Ensemble cast

Adding to the film’s allure is a stellar cast featuring Chandrachur Singh (Maachis), Sachin Khedekar (Sita Ramam), Avijit Dutt (Piku), Shampa Mandal (Sonchiriya), Priti Shukla, Vibhor Mayank, and Aditi Kanchan Singh. This diverse ensemble adds depth to the already rich storyline, promising powerful performances that are sure to captivate audiences.

Feminist undertones and a critique on society

Directed during a time when the #MeToo movement was making headlines globally, Mishra crafted Bayaan to highlight the pervasive patriarchy and systemic abuse that women face, especially in areas untouched by modern communication. “The story is set in the countryside, where the internet and social media are nonexistent,” Mishra explains. “Women are up against a system of abuse sanctioned by those in power.” This film, although not preachy, aims to evoke a deep emotional response from the audience, shedding light on the all-too-real repercussions of entrenched societal norms.

Huma Qureshi’s transformative role

For Qureshi, portraying a cop in Bayaan was both a professional challenge and a personal learning experience. “I choose stories that resonate with me,” she shares. “I am always looking to explore different genres. If a role allows me to experiment as an actor, I am all in. When I read the script for Bayaan, I was captivated by its environment, the character, and the filmmakers’ passion.” Through this role, Qureshi not only ventured into new acting territories but also gained insight into the life of a law enforcer in a small Indian town.

The international potential of Bayaan

Producers believe that Bayaan has the makings of a global hit. Its universal themes and compelling narrative are expected to resonate at international film festivals worldwide. According to the production team, their mission is to identify standout scripts and support directors in realizing their visions, staying true to their motto: “Newer Stories, Newer Voices.”

The team’s ambitions for the Busan Asian Project Market are equally high. They aim to maximize the value of their current projects, seek new ventures that align with their creative ethos, and build strategic partnerships to bolster their global presence.

A collaborative effort from script to screen

Supported by the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund and developed under the LA Residency of Film Independent’s Global Media Makers program, Bayaan benefited from mentorship by industry heavyweights like Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), script guidance from Jeff Stockwell, and story editing by Ruth Atkinson. This collaborative environment ensured a robust development process, leading to a well-crafted final product.

Principal photography concluded in early September, and the film is currently in the post-production phase under the meticulous eye of editor A. Sreekar Prasad.

Why Bayaan is set to make waves

The confluence of Mishra’s directorial prowess, Qureshi’s magnetic performance, and the backing of a powerhouse production team marks Bayaan as a significant contender in the film circuit. Its deep dive into themes of patriarchy, systemic abuse, and personal legacy, set against the backdrop of rural India, offers a fresh and gripping narrative that stands out in the crowded landscape of police dramas.

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