Mumbai | February 2026: Entrepreneur, music artist and business leader Ananya Birla has announced the launch of Birla Studios, a new film production venture aimed at creating high-concept, prestige-driven commercial cinema that bridges artistic storytelling with wide audience appeal.
The newly launched studio plans to develop a diverse slate of films spanning multiple languages and cultures, reflecting a vision of cinema that is both globally relevant and rooted in regional storytelling. According to the announcement, Birla Studios will focus on narratives that balance commercial success with creative distinction, positioning itself as a platform for bold, contemporary filmmaking.
Birla Studios is currently developing projects across Hindi, Gujarati and Malayalam, alongside other regional Indian languages, while also exploring English-language international productions. The multi-language approach highlights the studio’s ambition to connect with audiences across borders and bring regional voices into the global cinematic conversation.
Industry observers view the move as part of a growing trend where new-age creators and entrepreneurs are investing in content-driven storytelling, expanding India’s influence in the global entertainment ecosystem.
While specific film announcements are yet to be revealed, Birla Studios has confirmed that details of its upcoming projects will be unveiled soon, generating anticipation within the film and media industry.
With its focus on prestige-driven storytelling and cross-cultural narratives, Birla Studios aims to create cinema that resonates with modern audiences while pushing creative boundaries.
Cinema from Northeast India is set to make a strong impression at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, with a remarkable lineup of films from Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim featured in the Indian Panorama section. The festival, scheduled from November 20 to 28, 2025, continues to serve as a vibrant showcase of Indian creativity, cultural diversity, and cinematic excellence.
The Indian Panorama, a flagship component of IFFI since 1978, is devoted to promoting Indian films that represent the best of the country’s creative spirit and cultural heritage. This year’s selection highlights the Northeast’s cinematic growth and the region’s distinctive storytelling tradition that blends realism, identity, and emotion.
In the Feature Film category, Assam and Manipur have made a powerful mark. Bhaimon Da (Assamese), directed by Sasanka Samir and produced by Zeal Creations, tells the inspiring story of celebrated Assamese filmmaker Munin Barua, exploring his life and the challenges faced by Assamese cinema across decades. The film is both a tribute and a chronicle of artistic perseverance.
From Manipur, Naorem Dinesh Singh’sOitharei continues the state’s legacy of socially conscious cinema. The film tells the story of a widow displaced by the ethnic unrest in Manipur since 2023, offering a poignant portrayal of grief, survival, and the quest for peace. Produced under Oitharei, it reflects the emotional depth that has long defined Manipuri filmmaking, echoing the work of masters like Aribam Syam Sharma.
Adding to Assam’s prominence is Sikaar, directed by Debangkar Borgohain and produced by Mitra Bhattacharya, which has been selected for the Mainstream Cinema section. Starring Zubeen Garg, Urmila Mahanta, and Adil Hussain, the film is being hailed for its high production values, compelling narrative, and status as the most expensive Assamese film ever made. Sikaar symbolizes a new era of ambition for Assamese cinema, blending regional storytelling with national appeal.
The region’s strength also extends to the Non-Feature Film category. Assam’s Patralekha, directed by Namrata Datta, explores themes of identity and communication through a poetic lens. From Manipur, Battlefield by Borun Thokchom captures the stark realities of life in a conflict-torn state with documentary precision and emotional power.
From Sikkim, Samten Bhutia’sShangrila, produced by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), provides a rare window into Sikkimese culture and creativity. The Sikkimese-language documentary expands the cinematic map of the Northeast, celebrating the region’s evolving artistic identity and contribution to Indian cinema.
On November 27, IFFI will host a special discussion titled “New North East Cinema and Film Schools.” The session will examine the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers from Indian film schools, particularly from the Northeast, and how these institutions nurture unique voices that bring fresh perspectives to national cinema. The dialogue will explore how these directors are reshaping Indian storytelling through authenticity, experimentation, and regional identity.
The inclusion of films from Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim at IFFI 2025 reflects the growing prominence of the Northeast as a cinematic powerhouse. With stories rooted in culture, resilience, and human emotion, the region continues to redefine the contours of Indian filmmaking — asserting that powerful narratives often emerge from the country’s most diverse corners.
