Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan to World Premiere at TIFF 2025 in Discovery Section

Mumbai: Actor Huma Qureshi’s latest film Bayaan, is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in the prestigious Discovery section, known for identifying the next wave of global filmmaking talent.

Directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, Bayaan is a police procedural thriller hailed as a deeply resonant narrative exploring the intersections of gender, power, and faith in contemporary India. Notably, it is the only Indian film selected in this year’s Discovery slate, a section that has previously launched the careers of auteurs such as Christopher Nolan, Alfonso Cuarón, and Barry Jenkins. Describing the film, Mishra said: “Bayaan is a poignant reflection of contemporary India, where power and gender intersect in volatile and often invisible ways. It is my attempt to bear witness to a society in transition, and to the quiet courage of those who choose to speak.”

Huma Qureshi, who plays the lead, called the project “a timely and powerful story” and spoke about the challenges and fulfillment of taking on such a character. “Bayaan gave me the opportunity to play someone inside the justice system yet trapped in a much larger web of systemic injustice,” she said. “It was an absolute joy to work with a team so passionate and fearless.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, Qureshi reflected on the film’s grassroots origins: “I took a bet on this film. A small, haunting story with a big soul. No big studio backing. No platform deal. No safety nets… That gamble has paid off.” “From a hard-working set with no frills to a global platform like TIFF, Bayaan is proof that passion still breaks through. This one's for the artists who risk it all for the work.”

Produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films, known for Newton, SIR, and Ghaath—Bayaan, also received support from the Hubert Bals Fund (International Film Festival Rotterdam) and Film Independent’s Global Media Makers program in Los Angeles. During its development, Mishra received mentorship from renowned creators including Chernobyl and The Last of Us writer Craig Mazin.

Producer Bora called the TIFF selection “a proud milestone,” adding, “It’s a testament to the power of indie storytelling and relentless creative conviction.” Bayaan will screen this September at TIFF 2025, standing tall as India’s singular voice in the Discovery section, a platform for bold and emerging cinema from across the globe.