VISHAAD Earns National Competition Selection at KIFF 2025

The 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF 2025), a cornerstone of Indian cinematic accreditation, has recognized the formal and emotional brilliance of VISHAAD, selecting the short film for its rigorous National Competition.

Co-directed by two-time National Award laureate Nilaanjan Reeta Datta and acclaimed Filmfare-winning editor Navnita Sen, who also serves as the film’s screenwriter, VISHAAD transcends conventional short-form storytelling. The Finchbill Motion Pictures production is a deliberate examination of emotional interiority, deftly navigating themes of solitude, memory, and the intricate yet fragile architecture of human connection.

The film's strength lies in its meticulous composition and nuanced performances. Rajeshwar delivers a deeply textured portrayal, building the film's core emotion through precise expression and dialogue that carries significant weight. The ensemble is fortified by the presence of Ashish Vidyarthi, whose contribution is characterized by a restrained gravitas, and Ketaki Narayan, who introduces sensitivity and rhythmic balance to the complex interpersonal dynamics.

Enhancing the film’s evocative atmosphere is the musical contribution of Ashu Chakraborty. His score functions less as accompaniment and more as an extension of the narrative space—it is haunting, tender, and deeply resonant, matching the film’s introspective rhythm.

Under the minimalist and intentional direction of Nilaanjan Reeta Datta and Navnita Sen, VISHAAD unfolds as a cinematic meditation, with every frame and sound meticulously shaped to invite introspection. The film does not demand attention; it earns it through its quiet, resonant brilliance.

Its selection at KIFF 2025 reflects an important acknowledgment of the evolving landscape of Indian short cinema, where emotion, craftsmanship, and authenticity flourish in silence.

VISHAAD is more than a film — it is a pause, a breath, a lingering moment that stays with the viewer long after the final frame fades