Director Ashutosh Singh’s debut film Khoya Paya centred on a mother abandoned in the vast crowds of the Kumbh Mela was specially screened at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today. The film follows an elderly mother, deserted by her son, who finds unexpected allies in strangers and ultimately refuses to recognise the remorseful child who betrayed her.
Following the screening to a packed theatre, the film’s producer, director, and lead actors interacted with the media at a PIB press conference held at the festival venue.
Renowned actor Seema Biswas, who plays the mother, spoke passionately about the film’s theme of mistreatment of aged parents. Calling the issue deeply prevalent, she said: “I have seen a lot of families where aged parents are ill-treated. Cinema is a powerful medium that can influence society. It is important to speak about the rising insensitivity towards elderly parents.” She feels that children desolating old parents shouldn’t happen more in a society like that of India where traditionally three generations stay together. She shared that the script moved her instantly, revealing: “If I were in the place of the mother who was deserted, I wouldn’t have returned. Self-respect is essential; without respect, familial bonds lose meaning.” The renowned actor also said that the pre-shoot workshops helped the team understand the characters better and “live with the characters” during filming.
Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal, who plays the son, said that actors often have to portray characters which are socially unacceptable. He feels that the film is very relevant as some people also treat aged parents as burden, even though mothers are worshipped in India. He approached the role without villainy, noting that even flawed individuals have their own internal justifications. His character’s painful realisation of guilt forms a key emotional arc of the film.
Actor Anjali Patil remarked that she accepted the role in the film for the simplicity of narrative, which is rare in contemporary cinema, and the opportunity to work and learn from the great actor Seema Biswas.
The film’s producer Hemanshu Rai recalled hearing the script in Goa a year earlier and being immediately struck by its power. He remarked that the story’s essence resonated with him as it is about the strongest bond of a mother and son, though having a dark side as well. The story is very powerful, he feels.
Debutant Director Ashutosh Singh shot amidst a sea of people in Mahakumbh. The area also happens to be his village! Shooting was completed in 10-12 days in midst of the crowd of Mahakumbh which was visited by crores of pilgrims. He noted, “The colour of the film was found in Mahakumbh” and highlighted the blend of tradition and modernity the pilgrims with digital devices, the vibrant folk ambience, and the visual chaos that shaped the film’s texture. All these found a reflection in the film.
He stated that shooting in Kumbh was the most difficult part, though shooting in his own village was fun. He also remarked, “The shooting was like film school training, having such powerhouse actors. It is important to have a good cast for a film”.
Giving more insights on tackling the crowd while shooting in a real location like Kumbh, Ashutosh revealed that the entire cast and crew were dressed like local people, not wearing any fancy “bombaiya kapda”. That way, they easily became a part of the crowd! They also took dip in sangam. Since many people carry video cameras around, using shooting devices didn’t make them stand out much, said the Director. The only concern was to make the characters stand out amidst the crowd, he added.
The lead actors also revealed that Shooting in Kumbh was unique and challenging, but adventurous and exciting. Anjali Patil regretted not having to shoot in Kumbh as her scenes didn’t have any provision for it. Seema Biswas noted, “The crowd didn’t interfere much with the shooting process and were very cooperative and supportive, may be because of the existent spiritual feelings all around”.
About IFFI:
Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema.
Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage. (JKNS)
