'September 21' explores caregiver burden as son balances Alzheimer's care, personal ambition
Synopsis
'September 21' isn't just another family drama — it's a deliberate, unflinching portrait of the silent weight caregivers carry. With a Cannes selection at such an early stage and a cast that brings vulnerability to every frame, this bilingual film signals a shift toward intimate, culturally resonant storytelling in Indian cinema.
Key Takeaways
Director Karen Kshiti Suvarna's bilingual drama 'September 21' officially selected for the Marché du Film at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026 .
The film explores Alzheimer's disease and the emotional toll on caregivers, focusing on a son torn between personal ambition and family responsibility.
World Premiere: 16 May 2026 at the Palais Theatre, Cannes ; theatrical release follows on 22 May .
Cast includes Priyanka Upendra , Pravin Singh Sisodia , Zarina Wahab , Ajith Shidhaye , and Amit Behl .
Produced by Visica Films , FMD Productions , HumaraMovie , and Filmsmax .
Mumbai, 28 April 2026 — The makers of the forthcoming bilingual drama 'September 21' unveiled the film's trailer on Tuesday, offering an unflinching look at the emotional and physical toll of Alzheimer's disease on both patients and their caregivers.
The film centres on a father grappling with dementia and his son, caught between pursuing his own ambitions and fulfilling his filial obligations. Directed by Karen Kshiti Suvarna, the Hindi-Kannada production has earned an official selection for the Marché du Film at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, with a World Premiere scheduled for 16 May at the Palais Theatre, Cannes.
The cast and crew
The ensemble features Priyanka Upendra, Pravin Singh Sisodia, Zarina Wahab, Ajith Shidhaye, and Amit Behl in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Visica Films, FMD Productions, HumaraMovie, and Filmsmax, with a theatrical release set for 22 May.
What the director says
Director Karen Kshiti Suvarna described the project as deeply personal.
Point of View
But as a deliberate statement: that the stories we don't speak about — the son's guilt, the caregiver's exhaustion, memory's slow theft — deserve the same global platform as spectacle. Early selection suggests the festival sensed something authentic here, something that crosses linguistic and cultural borders because grief and duty do.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'September 21' about?
'September 21' is a Hindi-Kannada drama that explores the relationship between a father living with Alzheimer's disease and his son, who is caught between pursuing his personal ambitions and fulfilling his caregiving responsibilities. The film examines the emotional and physical toll of dementia on both the patient and the caregiver.
When is the World Premiere of 'September 21'?
The film will have its World Premiere on 16 May 2026 at the Palais Theatre, Cannes, as part of the Marché du Film at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026.
Who directed 'September 21'?
The film is directed by Karen Kshiti Suvarna. According to the director, the project is deeply personal, focusing on emotions and the silent weight carried by caregivers that often go unexpressed.
When will 'September 21' release in theatres?
The theatrical release is scheduled for 22 May 2026, immediately following its World Premiere at Cannes on 16 May.
Who are the lead actors in 'September 21'?
The film stars Priyanka Upendra, Pravin Singh Sisodia, Zarina Wahab, Ajith Shidhaye, and Amit Behl in key roles.
