'Mrs' to 'Stolen': Critically acclaimed festival films to watch out for in 2024

From Kareena Kapoor-starrer 'The Buckingham Murders' to Sanya Malhotra film 'Mrs', here are some exciting 'festival films' to look out for in the new year.

In Short

• Cinephiles have a bunch of films to look forward to in the new year.
• From 'Mrs' to Kareena Kapoor's 'The Buckingham Murders,' there is a lot of movies that will release in 2024.
• 'The Buckingham Murders' has been helmed by Hansal Mehta.

It’s time to dive into the cinematic brilliance that awaits us in 2024, as several films that have been making waves on the international film festival circuit gear up for their much-anticipated theatrical release. These movies have already left a lasting impact on the international audiences and are now all set to release for the Indian audiences.

'Sanaa'

The critically acclaimed film 'Sanaa,' helmed by National Award-winning director Sudhanshu Saria, is set to create history once again with its compelling narrative and outstanding performances. Featuring Radhika Madan in the lead role, this social drama premiered at the 54th edition of The International Film Festival of India, captivating audiences in the 'Indian Panorama' section. The film's powerful storyline resonated deeply, earning it recognition at esteemed festivals like the Shanghai International Film Festival, the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

'Sanaa' follows the journey of a determined and ambitious young woman grappling with internal struggles rooted in unresolved trauma. Produced by Sudhanshu Saria's Four Line Films, the movie boasts of a stellar cast including Pooja Bhatt, Shikha Talsania, Nikhil Khurana, and Soham Shah in pivotal roles.

'Stolen'

Produced by Gaurav Dhingra of Jungle Book Studio and directed by Karan Tejpal, 'Stolen' featuring Abhishek Banerjee in the lead role, has garnered significant acclaim on the international stage. This film made a mark as the sole Indian entry at the Venice Film Festival 2023, drawing rave reviews and standing ovations. Its success continued at various prestigious festivals like BFI London, Zurich, SXSW Sydney, and the Stockholm International Film Festival, underlining its impact in the 'Discovery: Powerful Stories from Debuting Directors' category. Following its grand Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, 'Stolen' is gearing up for a special showcase at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala in the 'Festival Kaleidoscope' section.

'Mrs'

Directed by Arati Kadav and featuring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role, 'Mrs' made its world premiere at the 2023 POFF, the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Competing in the Critics' Pick Competition section, the film promises to offer a captivating narrative showcasing a woman's resilience and strength. With Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh in pivotal roles, 'Mrs' ventures into the compelling story of women battling societal expectations, highlighting their quest for self-identity and empowerment amidst everyday struggles. The film is presented by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Pammi Baweja, and Harman Baweja.

'The Buckingham Murders'

Directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shobha Kapoor, and Ekta Kapoor, 'The Buckingham Murders' stars Kapoor Khan as a British-Indian detective investigating the murder of a child in Buckinghamshire. It premiered at the 67th BFI London Film Festival and opened the 2023 Mumbai Film Festival. This crime thriller promises suspense and intrigue. Scheduled for an upcoming release on Netflix, the film showcases the director's mastery in weaving a gripping narrative.

Published By:
Anvita Singh
Published On:
Jan 4, 2024