Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has joined forces with his longtime acting coach, Vinod Rawat, to present Rawat’s feature directorial debut, “Pushtaini” (also known as “Ancestral”). Rawat, who co-directed the Emmy-nominated series “Aarya” for Disney+ Hotstar, has been coaching Roshan since his 2017 film “Kaabil.”
In “Pushtaini,” Rawat steps into the spotlight as Bhuppi, a struggling actor on the verge of his last shot at fame after becoming entangled in a humiliating scandal. This journey forces him to return to his roots, navigate the mountains, and face his past. Along the way, he shares adventures with strangers, unaware of the transformative experiences awaiting him.
The film also features a special cameo by Rajkummar Rao, adding star power to an already intriguing project. Written by Rawat and co-written by Rita Heer, who also plays a significant role, “Pushtaini” integrates non-professional actors, including Rawat’s own family members, enhancing the film’s authenticity and charm.
Premiering at the 2023 Mumbai Film Festival, “Pushtaini” received critical acclaim and is now set for a theatrical release across India on June 21, distributed by Shiladitya Bora’s Platoon Distribution. Bora’s distribution company is renowned for bringing acclaimed indie films like Rohena Gera’s Cannes title “Sir” and Chaitanya Tamhane’s Venice winner “Court” to wider audiences.
Hrithik Roshan expressed his admiration for Rawat’s multifaceted talent, saying, “Vinod Rawat’s ‘Pushtaini’ left me completely awestruck. Vinod was not only exceptional as an actor, playing Bhuppi with all his heart, but also displayed an incredible command over the craft as a director. I was bowled over by how he wore all the hats and delivered a film full of moments that stayed with me long after the screen faded to black. I am proud of the leap Vinod has taken and excited to present his debut to a wider audience. This is for the team. This is for all who dream, for the ones who overcome their fears and strive to deliver with honesty.”
Rawat himself added, “All a debut filmmaker needs is a leap of faith and a gentle whisper of your close friends. To then have the support of Hrithik, who I have known and admired immensely over the years, is a big moment for me. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him. And now to re-team, but in a different capacity, is exciting. After a hugely successful premiere at the Mumbai Film Festival, I am thrilled that ‘Pushtaini’ will finally be out for the world to see.”
He continued, “I’m also thankful to Rajkummar Rao, who believed in my creative vision and hence also agreed to support ‘Pushtaini’ with an extremely special cameo. It is a deeply personal film, shot in my ancestral village in Uttarakhand, which explores several sensitive themes like a father-son relationship, the challenges of migration and an aspiring actor’s navigation through the complexities of his journey.”
“Pushtaini,” produced by Lotus Dust Pictures and Rawat’s VinRaw Films, promises to be a captivating cinematic experience. With a powerful story, stunning visuals, and heartfelt performances, this film is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
