Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS June 19, 2026 Himalayan Drama ‘Khoonta’ Wins Best Foreign Feature Film Award At London Independent Film Festival ‘K hoonta’, a Hindi film writ- ten and directed by Anushi Sharma, who also acted in it, was screened at Cannes Film Festival Market Premiere May 16, following which it went on to win the Best Foreign Feature Film Award at the London Independent Film Festival 2026. United States-based filmmaker Mukesh Modi was the producer. Considered a breakthrough for Him- achali films, Khoonta is set in a village and portrays life, faith, and tradition in the Himalayan region while addressing critical environmental issues facing the mountains today. The London Independent Film Festi- val (LIFF), which began in 2016, focuses on “first- and second-time filmmak- ers telling amazing stories with limited budgets,” its website says. Hosted every spring and autumn at Genesis cinema, the LIFF screened the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world this May. The filmmakers of Khoonta strove to preserve authenticity by having Himach- ali actors play the parts. “Set against the breathtaking back- drop of the Himalayas and inspired by the spiritual traditions associated with Mahasu Maharaj, KHOONTA tells a com- pelling story deeply rooted in the culture, beliefs, and heritage of the mountain communities,” said a press release from Mukesh Modi’s Indie Films Inc and D Star Entertainment. “The award further establishes KHOONTA as a significant voice in contemporary independent cin- ema and highlights the growing global appreciation for stories emerging from the Himalayan region,” it adds. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:COURTESY INDIE FILMS INC. PHOTO:COURTESY INDIE FILMS INC. Poster of ‘Khoonta’. Mukesh Modi, producer of ‘Khoonta’ poses with a poster of the movie at Cannes. T he Hindi feature film Brilliant Idea has drawn strong audience response since its U.S. release through AMC Theatres, with several screenings reporting sold-out at- tendance across multiple states. Released on May 29, the film debuted simultaneously in AMC locations across New Jersey, Indiana, Florida, North Caro- lina and Texas. According to the filmmak- ers, audience turnout exceeded expecta- tions during the opening weekend and continued into weekday screenings. In New Jersey, Brilliant Idea recorded sold-out shows at AMC New Brunswick 18 during its opening weekend. The film also drew a full audience for a 3:10 p.m. weekday matinee on June 2, an uncom- mon achievement for an afternoon screening. Director Rabinder Parasher credited the film’s success to audience support and the opportunity provided by AMC Theatres. g its U.S. theatrical run. “We are grateful to AMC Cinemas for providing a platform to showcase our film across the United States,” Parasher said. “We also appreciate the efforts of our dis- tributor, Geo Abraham of Clapboard En- tertainments Inc., whose support helped bring the film to audiences nationwide.” Audience members have responded positively to the film’s blend of comedy, family entertainment and social messag- ing. Viewers have described the produc- tion as a family-friendly film that delivers an uplifting message while addressing everyday life challenges through humor and storytelling. Among the performances receiving no- table attention are those of debut Indian American actors J.S. King and Tarun Ku- mar Ricky, who portray the characters Ra- vana and Ricky. Sukhwinder Singh’s por- trayal of Chef Sukha has also drawn praise from audiences, while Bollywood actors Chander Mohan and Rajesh Prasher have been recognized for their performances as brothers Chander and Rajesh. The film’s technical aspects have also earned favorable reviews, particularly the editing by Tijo Thankachan and the original background score composed by Vinu Thomas. Produced by New Jersey-based film- makers J.S. King and Tarun Kumar Ricky and directed by Parasher, Brilliant Idea was developed with the goal of providing opportunities for Indian American per- formers and contributing to the growth of independent Indian American filmmaking in the United States. ITV GOLD and ParikhWorldwide Media served as media supporters for the film’s U.S. release, helping promote the project to Indian American audiences through television, print and digital media plat- forms. Producer J.S. King (left), Director Rabi- nder Parasher (center) and actor-producer Tarun Kumar Ricky (right) pose beside a Brilliant Idea promotional standee at an AMC Theatre during the film’s successful U.S. theatrical run. The film’s title song features the voice of veteran Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu. The song was written by lyricist Rajesh Prasher and composed by Chander Mohan. The film also incorporates spiritual themes and life lessons inspired by the teachings of Lord Shiva, an element that filmmakers say has resonated strongly with audiences. With continued positive word-of- mouth and strong attendance figures, Brilliant Idea remains in AMC theatres across the United States as it continues its theatrical run. By a StaffWriter ‘Brilliant Idea’ Draws Strong Audience Response Across U.S. AMC Theatres Supporters, cast members, filmmakers and community members gather outside an AMC Theatre ahead of a screening of Brilliant Idea, celebrating the film’s successful U.S. release and strong audience response across AMC locations nationwide. Producer J.S. King (left), Director Rabinder Parasher (center) and actor-producer Tarun Kumar Ricky (right) pose beside a Brilliant Idea promotional standee at an AMC Theatre during the film’s successful U.S. theatrical run. PHOTOS:COURTESY ORGANIZERS