A Humble Film About a Himalayan Couple Is Quietly Winning Hearts and Awards Worldwide

Filmmaker Vinod Kapri's latest film, 'Pyre', is continuing its impressive run on the international festival circuit, touching audiences and picking up major awards along the way. In just the last few weeks, the film has earned four significant awards in the United States, a testament to its powerful and universal story.Recently, 'Pyre' took home the Best Film Audience Award at the 16th Chicago South Asian Film Festival. This win came right after it was named Best Feature Film at the 14th DC South Asian Film Festival and secured both Best Feature Film and Best Director at the 8th India International Film Festival of Boston.This success in the U.S. follows a series of accolades in Europe, including the prestigious Grand Jury Best Feature Film Award at the Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart in Germany.At its heart, 'Pyre' tells the simple, poignant story of Padam and Tulsi, an elderly couple who are among the last remaining residents of a remote, almost forgotten village in the Himalayas.Their son, like many others from the village, moved to the city for work three decades ago and never returned.Their quiet, lonely existence is suddenly filled with a glimmer of hope when a letter from their long-lost son arrives after thirty years.What makes the film truly special is its authenticity. Instead of professional actors, Kapri cast real people from the region to tell this story. The lead roles are played by Padam Singh, an 80-year-old retired soldier, and Heera Devi, a 70-year-old farmer.Their natural performances have been widely praised for bringing a raw, genuine emotion to the screen, capturing the themes of aging, loneliness, and the harsh reality of rural migration.The film, which features music from Oscar-winning composer Mychael Danna and lyrics by the legendary poet Gulzar, began its journey at the Tallinn Black Nights International Film Festival and has consistently won over audiences wherever it has been shown It’s a quiet film that speaks volumes, reminding us of the universal human need for connection and hope.