First Look of Odia Film Baghuni Unveiled at 78th Cannes Film Festival, Celebrates Regional Cinema on Global Stage

In a historic moment for regional Indian cinema, the first look of the Odia feature film Baghuni (Dance Like a Tiger) was officially unveiled at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, marking a proud milestone for Odisha and Indian cinema at large. The event took place at the prestigious Bharat Pavilion, part of the festival’s official programme curated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with FICCI and NFDC.

Baghuni is written and directed by Jitendra Mishra, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker known for championing socially impactful stories. This project represents a landmark achievement as the first-ever international co-production of its kind from Odisha to be launched on such a global platform.

The first-look motion poster was launched on Wednesday, May 15, in the presence of eminent dignitaries from India and around the world. The event was graced by director-producer Jitendra Mishra, co-producer Partha Panda of Glocal Films UK Limited, Shekhar Kapur, acclaimed filmmaker and Director of the International Film Festival of India, National Award-winning director Rima Das, and senior officials from the Ministry of I&B and NFDC.

Baghuni is a unique co-production between National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), Glocal Films UK Limited, and Cinema4Good Pvt. Ltd. The film also marks the return of NFDC to Odisha after a significant 23-year gap in regional cinematic collaboration—signaling a renewed commitment to promoting diverse storytelling from across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Jitendra Mishra emphasized the importance of bringing authentic regional narratives to international audiences, adding that Baghuni aims to celebrate Odisha’s rich culture while addressing globally resonant themes.

The unveiling of Baghuni at Cannes not only highlights the growing global interest in Indian regional cinema but also paves the way for future collaborations that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries.