Huma Qureshi's 'Bayaan' to Debut at Toronto Film Festival

New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) "Bayaan", a gripping police procedural thriller featuring Huma Qureshi in the lead, is set to make its world debut at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. This film is the sole Indian entry in the gala's Discovery section, highlighting the debut and sophomore projects of emerging filmmakers. "Bayaan" is helmed by director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, who first showcased his talent with the 2014 film "Chauranga." Mishra envisions "Bayaan" as a poignant narrative reflecting contemporary India, where dynamics of power and gender intertwine in complex and often unseen ways. "It is my attempt to bear witness to a society in transition — and to the quiet courage of those who choose to speak. I'm deeply honored to present my second feature, 'Bayaan', at the Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section — a platform that has launched the journeys of many filmmakers I admire and cherish," Mishra expressed in his statement. Qureshi, renowned for her roles in acclaimed movies such as "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Badlapur", "Monica, O My Darling", and series like "Leila" and "Maharani", described the story of "Bayaan" as both "vital and universal". "'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," shared the actress, who is also an executive producer for the project. "Bayaan" was developed at Film Independent, Los Angeles, and produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films. Madhu Sharma from Summit Studios, along with Kunal Kumar, Anuj Gupta, and Sadik Keshwani of Guidant Films, serve as co-producers. The film's cast also includes talented actors like Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra. The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival will take place from September 4 to 14.