In a remarkable showcase of Indian cinema on an international platform, the upcoming film ‘The Fable’, starring the acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee and directed by the talented Raam Reddy, has officially earned a spot to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival. This compelling cinematic piece is the sole representative from India vying for honors in one of the festival’s key competitive categories this year.
‘The Fable’, which builds upon the success of Reddy’s celebrated debut ‘Thithi’, is set to make its global debut at the 74th edition of the festival within the prestigious Encounters Competition section. This segment is renowned for featuring a curated selection of 15 innovative and cutting-edge films from diverse creators around the world.
As part of a US-Indian co-production, the film boasts an ensemble of skilled actors, including Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, Tillotama Shome, Hiral Sidhu, and the young talent Awan Pookot. With such a rich cast, the movie promises a powerful narrative and compelling performances.
Manoj Bajpayee, a well-respected figure in the film industry, whose recent works include the critically lauded ‘Joram’ and the Netflix streaming show ‘Killer Soup’, expressed his enthusiasm for his participation in ‘The Fable’. He described the experience as “remarkable”, underlining the significance of collaborating with a creative force like director Raam Reddy and the privilege of working alongside an international production house for the first time. Bajpayee emphasized that the inclusion of ‘The Fable’ at Berlinale stands as a testament to the global appeal and artistic excellence of Indian storytelling, showcasing the country’s cinematic prowess on a large scale.
The director and writer of the film, Raam Reddy, shared a similarly positive sentiment. He emotionally characterized ‘The Fable’ as a pure extension of his soul, and conveyed gratitude for the multitude of opportunities the project has brought him. Reddy expressed his fortune at being able to work with an actor of Bajpayee’s calibre and an amazing cast, debuting the film at the Berlinale, gaining international support for the project, and, most importantly, the chance to bring his vision to the screen in its intended form.
Supporting Reddy once again, just as she did with ‘Thithi’, is the veteran producer Sunmim Park, providing her expertise to bring this project to fruition.
Historically, the last Indian film to compete in the Encounters Competition was ‘The Shepherdess and The Seven Songs’ by filmmaker Pushpendra Singh in 2020. Since then, no Indian film has been featured in the festival’s Main Competition—the last being ‘Shelter of the Wings’ directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta in 1994.
In addition to ‘The Fable’, other Indian films will also grace the Berlinale screens. ‘The Adamant Girl’ and ‘In the Belly of a Tiger’ will be part of the Forum segment, known for its avant-garde and experimental films. The festival will also include the screening of ‘O Seeker’, ‘Remote Occlusions’, ‘Two Refusals’, along with short films ‘Sour Candy’ and ‘The Girl Who Lived in the Loo’. These screenings reflect the diverse narratives and creative spirit of Indian cinema and will be available for international audiences to experience throughout the festival, which runs from February 15th to 24th.
As ‘The Fable’ prepares to showcase its narrative at the Berlin International Film Festival, there’s a palpable excitement among film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The participation of such a thought-provoking work in one of the world’s leading film festivals not only demonstrates the evolving landscape of Indian cinema but also underscores the importance of cultural exchange in the arts. As the festival approaches, all eyes are on Reddy’s ‘The Fable’ with high hopes for furthering the legacy of Indian films in global cinema.
