Huma Qureshi's investigative thriller 'Bayaan' is India's sole entry in TIFF's Discovery section | Toronto International Film Festival 2025
Huma Qureshi-starrer Bayaan will be premiering at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival this year. Directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, the film is an investigative thriller co-starring Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra.
Produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films with Qureshi as an executive producer, Bayaan will be screened in the Discovery section of the festival, and is the only Indian film in this category. The film's title translates to 'testimony'.
In a statement, Qureshi called the story "timely and powerful" and that her character, an investigator named Roohi, is someone "caught in the crossfire of power, faith, and systemic complicity."
"Bayaan gave me the opportunity to play the kind of character I’ve long been drawn to—someone within the justice system, yet up against forces much larger than herself. It was an absolute joy to work with a team so passionate and fearless in telling a story that feels both vital and universal," said Qureshi.
The film's official synopsis is as follows: "When a revered religious leader is anonymously accused of sexual abuse, rookie detective Roohi battles entrenched power, silenced victims, and rising danger in a tense, uncompromising fight for justice."
The film has a stellar technical team, most notably A Sreekar Prasad on the editing, Udit Khurana handling cinematography and Ajay Jayanthi the music.
The makers unveiled the first look poster of the film on Instagram with the caption, "A rookie detective. An impossible case. Here’s your first look at Bayaan, all set to have its World Premiere at TIFF 2025. We’re proud to be the only film from India selected for the prestigious Discovery section. A story that felt urgent to tell — made with passion, purpose, and an incredible team (sic)".
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