Bayaan Officially Selected for 2025 Toronto International Film Festival

Ziya Khan July 24, 2025Last Updated: July 24, 2025

Bayaan, a gripping police procedural thriller starring Huma Qureshi, has been officially selected for the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film will have its world premiere in TIFF’s prestigious Discovery section, standing out as the only Indian title featured in this category this year.

Written and directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, known for Chauranga, Bayaan is a co-production between Platoon One Films and Summit Studios. The project also involves producers Kunal Kumar and Anuj Gupta, with Switzerland-based Sadik Keshwani of Guidant Films serving as co-producer. Huma Qureshi not only headlines the film but also contributes as an executive producer.

The film was developed through Film Independent’s LA Residency, part of the Global Media Makers (GMM) program. During this residency, Mishra received mentorship from acclaimed creators including Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, The Last of Us), writer Jeff Stockwell, and story editor Ruth Atkinson.

Reflecting on the project, Mishra said, “Bayaan is my attempt to bear witness to a society in transition — and to the quiet courage of those who choose to speak. I’m deeply honoured to present my second feature at TIFF’s Discovery section, a platform that has launched many filmmakers I admire.”Huma Qureshi described Bayaan as a “timely and powerful story” that explores themes of power, faith, and systemic injustice.

She added, “The film allowed me to portray a character within the justice system, yet confronting forces far greater than herself. Working with such a passionate and fearless team to tell this vital and universal story was an absolute joy.”The ensemble cast includes Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra.Shiladitya Bora, founder of Platoon One Films, expressed, “We believe Bayaan has global appeal, and TIFF is the perfect launchpad for its journey.

At Platoon One Films, we champion fresh voices and bold stories that provoke and connect. This film truly embodies that spirit.”The film features cinematography by Udit Khurana, editing by National Award winner A. Sreekar Prasad, music by Ajay Jayanthi, and costumes by Shilpi Agarwal. It is supported by the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund.