Manoj Bajpayee starrer “Zoram” will be screened at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) next month. Directed by Devashish Makhija, this poignant psychological thriller is about a hunted down displaced man, who is on the run to protect his daughter. The film, set in Jharkhand, deals with issues such as social inequalities, injustice to tribal communities and deforestation.
Joram, which has previously traveled to the 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and was part of NFDC’s film market, will now be screened in the ‘Competition’ section at DIFF next month and at the Sydney Film Festival next week.
Manoj said he is grateful for the love and recognition “Zoram” is getting at international film festivals. “Zoram is a very special film and (I) am overwhelmed with the love the film is receiving globally. Devashish has done a commendable job and no one could have supported this project better than Zee Studios. I am glad that Now the film is going to the Durban International Film Festival,” the actor said in a statement.
Makhija praised Bajpayee and the cast of “Zoram” for their strong performances in the film. “Manoj Bajpayee’s performance ensures chest-thumping action; as do powerful performances from the rest of the cast. We are thrilled with all the recognition this film is getting on the international circuit, and it’s truly a pleasure to join the competition in ‘Durban’ Excited International Film Festival,” said the director.
The film marks the third collaboration between Bajpayee and Makhija after their short film “Tandav” and the acclaimed 2020 feature “Bhonsle”, for which the “Banda” star won the National Award for Best Actor.
“Zoram” is produced by Zee Studios in association with Makhijafilms, an independent production house jointly owned by Devashish and curator-producer Anupama Bose. The film also stars Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, and Megha Mathur in prominent roles, as well as Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshree Deshpande in special appearances.