Debut director Faraz Arif Ansari’s debut feature film Bun Tikki is going global. Starring Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman and Abhay Deol, the film will have its world premiere on January 5 at the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California.
The coming-of-age drama follows a seven-year-old named Shanu and his single father Sidhant as they navigate family dynamics and identity.
This film is fashion designer-turned-producer Manish Malhotra’s second production after Saali Mohabbat.
Ansari said, “This iconic festival has always been a beacon for independent filmmakers and bold storytelling, and I’m beyond excited that our film is part of such a phenomenal line up.
“Bun Tikki is my love letter to the world — to every child, every parent, and everyone who believes in the transformative power of love, empathy, and kindness,” he said.
The film, which also stars Nushrratt Bharuccha and Rohaan Singh, is a heart-warming tale of family, love and identity.
Bun Tikki tells the story of seven-year-old Shanu, who struggles with self-discovery while his father Siddhant deals with grief and societal pressures as a single parent trying to understand his child. According to the filmmaker, Bun Tikki is my love letter to the world- to every child, every parent, and everyone who believes in the transformative power of love, empathy, and kindness.”
The film based on the father-son relationship features two of the most celebrated veteran actresses of their time. National Award-winning actor Shabana Azmi is paring up with her old co-star Zeenat Aman in Bun Tikki.
Producer Manish Malhotra added: “As a producer, it’s an honour to contribute to a project that challenges conventions, tells an authentic story and connects with audiences on a universal scale. I am incredibly proud of Faraz for bringing this vision to life and eagerly look forward to how the world embraces this heartfelt film. My deepest gratitude goes to the festival for supporting this liberated cinema and to the world who will soon experience the magic of Bun Tikki.”
