Renowned cinematographer Pankaj Kumar, known for visually stunning movies like Tumbbad and Ship of Theseus, is entering into the director’s chair with Konyak, a tribal motion drama set within the culturally wealthy landscapes of northeast India. Chosen for the distinguished NFDC Screenwriters Lab 2024 at Film Bazaar, the project marks Kumar’s highly anticipated feature directorial debut.
Tumbbad cinematographer Pankaj Kumar makes directorial debut with Film Bazaar-selected tribal epic Konyak
A Vision Rooted in Heritage
Konyak follows the journey of Thungpang, a young warrior who must navigate a deadly conflict between headhunting tribes. Guided by prophetic visions, he confronts betrayal and honor as he faces Sangba, a former friend turned enemy. Written by Uddhav Ghosh, the film delves into themes of identity, resilience, and heritage.
Ghosh, whose travels in Nagaland inspired the story, described the vision behind the project. A report by Variety quoted him saying, “The vision was all the time clear – to create an motion epic that felt raw, unfiltered, and steeped in authenticity, drawing on the primal storytelling of movies like Fury Road and Apocalypto. With Pankaj Kumar now on board as director, his visual mastery elevates this film into the cinematic spectacle it deserves to be.”
Kumar’s Tackle Directing Konyak
Pankaj Kumar, whose cinematography credits include Brahmastra Part One: Shiva and Talvar, expressed his excitement concerning the project: “The vision for Konyak is to create something immersive and untamed, a movie that lives and breathes on the large screen, where every frame tells a story of endurance and heritage. As a director, coming from a background in cinematography, that is the sort of project that lets me bring all those elements together.”
The film, which will probably be shot in Konyak Naga and Hindi languages, is a passion project for Kumar, produced through his newly founded Jiboom Studios.
Mentorship and Market Selection
The project has received guidance from script editor Claire Dobbin, who described it as: “Far more than an motion movie. It’s a compelling story of betrayal, courage, and resilience and shines a light-weight on a little-known, but unforgettable people – the Konyak.”
Marten Rabarts, head of IFFR Pro on the International Film Festival Rotterdam and lab mentor, highlighted the film’s concentrate on indigenous narratives: “Uddhav Ghosh is exploring the long-overshadowed stories of indigenous First Nations people and in collaboration with them helps unearth intense and sophisticated histories.”
Also Read: Ekta Kapoor teams up with Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve for brand new film, also plans Ragini MMS 3 in 2025: Report
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