After Taking the World by Storm, 80-Year-Old Non-Actor’s Film Pyre Comes to Australia

Kirti Sehrawat
Aug 14
2 min read

On 16 August 2025, Melbourne audiences will have the chance to experience Pyre, the award-winning feature from national award-winning filmmaker Vinod Kapri, as part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Centred on the performances of real villagers, including its remarkable 80-year-old lead, the film has earned global attention for its emotional depth and authenticity.

*Still from Pyre: Picture supplied by Bhagirathi Films Private Limited/BFPL*

In July alone, Pyre achieved an extraordinary feat, winning five consecutive Best Film awards at festivals in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These accolades add to an impressive list that already includes the Audience Award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and a Jury Special Mention at the Bengaluru International Film Festival.

The film has been warmly received across international festivals, from New York to Stuttgart, building momentum as one of the most talked-about independent features of the past year.

Set in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, Pyre tells the story of an elderly couple, Padam Singh and Tulsi, as they navigate the solitude of rural life while awaiting the return of their long-absent son. The choice to cast non-professional actors lends the film a distinctive intimacy, with moments that feel as if they have been captured rather than staged.

The narrative is complemented by a moving score from Oscar-winning composer Mychael Danna and a song written by Gulzar, who contributed his work as a gesture of support for the project.

For audiences in Melbourne, this screening offers a rare opportunity to witness a film that has been embraced by viewers around the world for its sensitive storytelling and portrayal of life in a remote Himalayan village. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has built a reputation for presenting important works that connect communities and cultures, and Pyre is a strong addition to this year’s line-up.

On 16 August, the spotlight will be on Melbourne’s audience to welcome Pyre into their own cinematic memory. It is a chance to celebrate not only the achievements of Vinod Kapri and his team, but also the remarkable villagers whose performances have carried this story from the mountains of Uttarakhand to the world stage.