Mumbai, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker and producer Hansal Mehta has opened up about his association with Punjabi film “Birds in the Dark” (Hanere De Panchi), directed by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Shashank Walia, which will have its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.
Mehta recalled that Mauli Singh and Ankur Pathak brought the project to his attention last year. He said he was immediately impressed after watching the first 40 minutes of the film on Walia’s laptop in Chandigarh.
The filmmaker described “Birds in the Dark” as a black-and-white work that uses silence as an important storytelling device. According to Mehta, the film explores themes including justice, longing, resistance and gender, while offering a nuanced reflection on love.
Sharing pictures on Instagram, Mehta wrote that he was “blown away” by what he saw and expressed pride in the film’s selection at Busan.
He also praised the cast and crew, noting that he and Sahil Saigal are backing the project as producers alongside Reema Kaur, who has also edited the film.
Mehta said his production banner True Story Films aims to support distinctive filmmakers whose voices could have an impact in the years ahead. He specifically highlighted Lijo Jose Pellissery, Jai Mehta and Walia, describing the latter as one of the most individualistic filmmakers of his generation.
“Birds in the Dark” is written, shot and directed by Walia. The independent drama is set in rural Punjab and features Punjabi, Kashmiri and Urdu. It explores themes of gender, caste, class, labour, justice and love.
The film is produced by Hansal Mehta, Sahil Saigal and Reema Kaur, with Mauli Singh and Gagan Deep Kaur as co-producers. It will premiere in the Vision section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, scheduled from October 6 to 15.
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