A compelling short project is turning heads across international festival circuits, bringing together distinct artistic elements to tell a poignant story. The work features the distinct vocal performance of actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, timeless verses by the renowned poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and the creative vision of writer and director Shadab Siddiqui. Beginning its journey in Jammu and Kashmir, the film has expanded its reach to global platforms in Lebanon and Ukraine, capturing themes of romance, separation, silence, and memory through poetic expression.
Global Screenings and Festival Journey
The project initially earned an official selection at the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir 2026, marking its premiere screening in the region. Its sensitive narrative structure and cinematic adaptation of classic verses helped it carve out a unique identity among audiences. Following its domestic run, the project moved toward international platforms, securing a spot at the Lebanon International Short Film Festival 2026 held in Beirut from October 11 to 13. The creative team has also focused on sharing promotional documents and official ceremony visuals with audiences back home to highlight the milestone. Concurrently, the journey extended to Ukraine as part of the Morph Film Festival. Director Shadab Siddiqui has maintained an active presence in the Indian entertainment sector since 2006.
Poetic Depth and Core Performances
A defining element of the work is the poetry recitation delivered by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, whose vocal delivery grants emotional depth to the narrative landscape. Rather than serving as mere background score or dialogue, the poetry functions as an essential vehicle for experiencing the story. Actors Preeti Sood and Naseem Mughal shoulder important roles, portraying the nuances of love and longing on screen. The verses of Faiz Ahmed Faiz act as the spiritual core of the narrative, tying the acting, sound, and visual design together. The team views this international tour as an opportunity to present Indian literary traditions to audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.
