Laapataa Ladies Filmmaker Kiran Rao Supports Bosco Bhandarkar’s Shadow Hill, Lighting Up The WAVES Film Bazaar

Kiran Rao’s production banner, Kindling Pictures, is supporting commercial filmmaker Bosco Bhandarkar’s feature directorial debut Shadow Hill: Of Spirits and Men , which has been selected for the WAVES

Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market. The Bazaar serves as the industry marketplace for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

A Story Rooted in Goa’s Shifting Landscape

Shadow Hill follows two men on a treasure hunt in Goa, one searching for answers to a hidden truth, the other hoping to escape a monotonous life. Their journey is guided by a mysterious woman who shares stories from the past, helping both men find emotional resolution.Set against Goa’s dramatic transformation from a quiet coastal haven to a rapidly urbanizing region, the film interweaves humour and melancholy while delving into themes of memory, loss, and human connection.

Director Bosco Bhandarkar on the Film’s Heart

Bhandarkar, inspired by summer vacations spent at his ancestral home in a Goan village, shared, “The idea is to find love as a counterforce to cynicism. We are living in times when one hopes for some faith in humanity, and I hope our film helps reflect this in some small and beautiful ways.”He also addresses Goa’s environmental challenges, adding that the state’s booming real estate industry and political corruption have deeply affected local communities: “The very concepts of space and time have shifted drastically for the locals in present times, and not for the best.”ALSO READ: Shraddha Kapoor Shares Health Update After Getting Injured On Eetha Sets: Terminator Ki Tarah Ghoom Rahi Hoon...

Kiran Rao on Bhandarkar’s Unique Vision

Rao, who co-founded Kindling Pictures with producer Tanaji Dasgupta, has known Bhandarkar for more than 25 years. Praising his sensibilities, she said, “His perspective is unusual, mischievous, and deeply human. Through humor and irony, he is able to peel back the surface of ordinary life and reveal its hidden layers, often through striking, poetic imagery.”Bhandarkar, who has largely worked in advertising, describes himself as a daydreamer drawn to “films made by filmmakers who have school bags filled with empathy.”

Co-Production Plans at Film Bazaar

At Film Bazaar, Kindling Pictures is seeking co-producers, financiers, and film funds to help bring Shadow Hill to life. The company has already invested 25% of the budget and is looking to secure the remaining financing while collaborating with partners who align with Bhandarkar’s vision.Rao believes the film is a rare blend of tone and craft, said, “We believe it embodies a rare balance of humour, poignancy, and danger.”Dasgupta added, “We are very excited about this film because it promises to be an extraordinary cinematic experience.”