Actor Huma Qureshi’s upcoming film Bayaan is set for its world premiere in the prestigious Discovery section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), scheduled for September. It is the only Indian title selected in this category this year.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bikas Ranjan Mishra, best known for Chauranga, Bayaan explores the intersection of power, faith, and gender in contemporary India. The film marks a poignant narrative about a woman navigating systemic oppression while being part of the justice system herself.
The project was developed at Film Independent in Los Angeles and is produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films, the banner behind critically lauded films like Ghaath (Berlinale 2023) and Picasso (a National Award winner and Amazon Prime’s first direct-to-digital Marathi film).
Co-produced by Summit Studios’ Madhu Sharma, Kunal Kumar, Anuj Gupta, and Switzerland-based Sadik Keshwani of Guidant Films, Bayaan also sees Qureshi stepping in as Executive Producer.
The film features an ensemble cast including Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Sand, Avijit Dutt, Sampa Mandal, Vibhore Mayank, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra.
Calling Bayaan a deeply personal film, Mishra said, “It’s my attempt to bear witness to a society in transition and the quiet courage of those who choose to speak.” He expressed his excitement to showcase the film at TIFF’s Discovery section, a launchpad for globally celebrated directors.
Huma Qureshi described the story as “timely and powerful,” saying, “It gave me the opportunity to play a character I’ve long been drawn to — someone within the justice system but fighting forces much bigger than herself.” She also expressed her pride in premiering the film in a section that previously introduced cinematic greats like Christopher Nolan and Alfonso Cuarón.
Producer Shiladitya Bora added that it was an “immense honour” to premiere Bayaan at TIFF, further reinforcing Platoon One Films’ commitment to bold, socially relevant cinema.