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Filmmaker Mukesh Modi prepares Khoonta for Oscars
The film draws on the cultural traditions of Himachal Pradesh’s Giripar region and is slated for release in mid-2026.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 27, Dec 2025
- 16:41 EST
- 14
Movie's poster / Mukesh Modi
A feature film based on the cultural traditions of Himachal Pradesh has completed principal photography and is being prepared for an international awards campaign, including submission to the Academy Awards.
KHOONTA, produced by Indian American filmmaker Mukesh Modi and directed by Anu Sharma, draws inspiration from the Hati Samudaye of the Giripar region in Himachal Pradesh, as well as the Gaddi community and Jaunsari culture. The film is produced under the banners of Indie Films World and D Star Entertainment.
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According to the makers, filming has been completed and the feature is scheduled for release by mid-2026. Preparations are underway to submit the film for consideration at the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
Set in the Himalayan region, Khoonta examines themes of faith, heritage and identity through the social and spiritual practices of communities in Giripar. The narrative focuses on devotion to Devta Mahasu Maharaj and the influence of Ashta Shakti on everyday life, customs and decision-making within the region.
Director Anu Sharma said the film documents the cultural and spiritual traditions of Himachal Pradesh. “Khoonta is a tribute to the people of Himachal, their faith, and their relationship with nature,” she said.
Producer Mukesh Modi said the project aims to take a regionally rooted story to an international audience. “Our aim is to present the traditions of Himachal Pradesh on a global platform and take this story to audiences beyond India,” he said.
The film features performances by Anu Sharma, Kartik Rao, Rishan, Manuj Walia, Ishan Azad, Prerna Thakur, Ashu Ghanshyam, Shubham Sethi, Jawahar, Varun Kant and Ravinder. Cinematography is by Nilesh Keni, with costume design by Suman and Pooja. The direction team includes Vijay Chand Thakur, Abhijeet Bhatnagar, Deep Singh, Ankit Keni and Ritika Singh Kanwer.
The makers acknowledged the support of local residents during filming, including families in Kuwanu village. Shot across multiple locations in Himachal Pradesh, Khoonta seeks to document cultural practices and belief systems that are rarely represented in mainstream cinema, while positioning a Himalayan narrative for international exhibition.
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