MUMBAI: Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi), a profoundly moving and visually stunning Bengali-language drama, made a powerful impact at the prestigious 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Directed by debut filmmakers Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, the film premiered in the newly introduced Perspectives section, earning overwhelming praise from international audiences.
Starring National Award-winning actor Tillotama Shome as Maya, alongside Chandan Bisht, Sayan Karmakar, and Suman Saha, Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi) delves into the life of Maya—a woman tirelessly juggling multiple jobs while caring for her teenage son and her husband, a retired soldier battling PTSD. When he mysteriously disappears, Maya embarks on a journey of survival that tests the limits of her strength, love, and resilience.
Reflecting on the film’s reception at Berlinale, Co-Director Tanushree Das shared, “Witnessing Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi) come alive on the big screen at such a prestigious festival was an incredibly special moment. This film is a testament to years of dedication and collaboration from countless creative minds. Seeing the audience’s emotional response was truly overwhelming.”
For Co-Director Saumyananda Sahi, the Berlinale premiere was especially meaningful. “Berlinale has always been close to my heart—20 years ago, as a 17-year-old at the Talent Campus, I took my first steps toward becoming a filmmaker. To return now with my debut feature feels like a full-circle moment. Premiering Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi) on such an esteemed platform is both an honor and a dream realized.”
A remarkable feat of independent storytelling, Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi) was brought to life through the collective effort of 17 producers, a rare and bold approach in filmmaking. A joint statement from the production team expressed gratitude, saying, “Creating this film has been an extraordinary journey for all of us. Berlinale has long been a champion of independent cinema, and to have our film showcased here is both humbling and exhilarating.”
With its emotional depth and gripping narrative, Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi) has set a new benchmark for independent cinema, proving that stories rooted in love, resilience, and survival resonate universally. As the film continues its journey on the international stage, it reinforces the power of bold storytelling and the magic of cinema.
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