Actress and producer Kirti Kulhari has described her debut production, 'Kinaare', as her 'first child' as a filmmaker, saying the project occupies an irreplaceable place in her creative journey. The film is set to have its world premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), marking a significant personal and professional milestone for Kulhari.

Why 'Kinaare' Resonated with Kulhari

Kulhari, who steps behind the camera as a producer for the first time with this film, said the script's quiet, understated quality was what drew her in. 'Kinaare is a film that happens to be my first child as a producer, and that will always remain special. It's a simple, heartwarming, and subtle film. I find all these adjectives in Iranian films — which I've always really loved — so when something like this came to me, I knew I had to make it,' she said.

She further emphasised the importance of creative independence in shaping the project. 'This is exactly how I wanted to make this film: independently, make it the way I see it, the way we all see it collectively. It's amazing that each and every member of the film has come together, believing in the script, and stood by my side purely for the passion of cinema, for the sole reason of being a part of the film for what it is. So, I'm very proud and happy to have brought something like Kinaare for the world to see,' she added.

Co-Star Rajeev Siddhartha on the Film's Depth

Kulhari's co-star Rajeev Siddhartha spoke about the rare quality of the screenplay, noting that it gave him space to explore beyond the written word. 'I feel every actor looks forward to and hopes that they come across a script where not only is the written word important, but also the script itself encourages you to explore the spaces between the words. And with Kinaare, I got to do that as an actor. I feel Kinaare has such a universal theme that everybody who sees it will definitely be touched, be moved, and be slightly changed from within after the experience,' he said.

What the Film Is About

'Kinaare' is set against the backdrop of a village near Delhi. It follows Amina, played by Kulhari, a single woman whose daily life revolves around caring for her ageing parents and maintaining her home. Her quiet routine is disrupted by a surprise visit from her cousin brother, Azam, after 15 years — a reunion that resurfaces a past that once fractured the family. The film features Kulhari alongside Rajeev Siddhartha, Alka Amin, and Ravi Taneja.

The Team Behind 'Kinaare'

The film is written and directed by the Qadri brothers — Akbar and Azam Qadri. Kulhari has backed the feature through her production banner, Kintsukuroi Films, with co-producers Abhishek Koka and Maansi Guptey. Notably, the project came together on the strength of collective belief in the script, with the cast and crew reportedly joining for the love of cinema rather than commercial considerations.

With its DIFF premiere, 'Kinaare' enters the festival circuit as one of the more intimate Indian independent productions of the year — and a deeply personal debut for Kulhari in her new role as a storyteller behind the scenes.