Award-winning ‘Pyre’ heads to Kerala theatres on November 6 after global acclaim

Vinod Kapri's internationally acclaimed film ‘Pyre’ (Chita), which has won 18 awards at film festivals worldwide, is gearing up for its theatrical release in India on November 6, 2026. The film, which has secured 15 Best Film honours, will also be released in Malayalam, bringing its emotionally charged story of love, ageing and companionship to audiences in Kerala.

Written and directed by Vinod Kapri, the film is set in a remote Himalayan village in Uttarakhand and follows an elderly couple navigating the uncertainties of old age. Having earned widespread recognition on the international festival circuit, ‘Pyre’ is now preparing to reach Indian audiences.

The film is produced by Vinod Kapri, Arindra Rai Chaudhuri and Suresh Joshi.

A moving tale of love and companionship

At the heart of ‘Pyre’ is the relationship between an ageing husband and wife who live in a secluded mountain village where the population is steadily declining.

With their surroundings growing increasingly deserted, the couple must come to terms with the physical and emotional challenges of growing older. As memories of their shared past become more precious, their companionship remains a source of comfort amid the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Rather than focusing solely on the hardships of old age, the narrative examines the enduring nature of love and the quiet resilience of two people who have spent a lifetime together.

The film also explores loneliness, the passage of time and the emotional weight of separation, presenting an intimate portrait of a relationship that continues to thrive despite changing circumstances.

Local residents make their acting debut

One of the film's distinctive aspects is its casting of two elderly residents from Uttarakhand in the lead roles.

Padam Singh, 80, and Hira Devi, 70, who have no previous professional acting experience, portray the central characters.

Their performances draw on the simplicity and authenticity of everyday life, lending a natural quality to the story. By placing non-professional actors at the centre of the narrative, the filmmaker seeks to capture the emotional realities of ageing and companionship without relying on conventional cinematic portrayals.

The Himalayan landscape also plays an important role in the storytelling, with the isolated village reflecting the couple's increasingly solitary existence.

International recognition and 18 awards

‘Pyre’ first attracted international attention following its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia.

The screening received a standing ovation, while the film went on to win the festival's Audience Award, marking the beginning of its successful run at international events.

It subsequently received several major honours, including the Audience Award at the London Indian Film Festival and the German Star of India Award for Best Feature Film at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart in Germany.

The film also won the Audience Award at the Birmingham Indian Film Festival and the Best Feature Film Award at the DC South Asian Film Festival in the United States.

With these and other accolades, ‘Pyre’ has accumulated 18 international awards, 15 of which are Best Film honours.

The film has also drawn appreciation from internationally recognised filmmaker Deepa Mehta and veteran poet and lyricist Gulzar.

Gulzar pens lyrics for the film

The film's music brings together several prominent names from the industry.

Academy Award-winning composer Mychael Danna has collaborated with Saar Singhal on the soundtrack, while Gulzar has written the lyrics.

Acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist Shruti Sadolikar has performed the songs, adding a classical musical dimension to the film's emotional narrative.

‘Pyre’ theatrical release: Cities and screening locations

Following its successful international festival run, ‘Pyre’ is scheduled to arrive in Indian cinemas on November 6, 2026.

The Malayalam-dubbed version will be released in Kerala on the same day, while screenings are also planned in Bengaluru.

In Hyderabad, the film is scheduled to be screened at Cinepolis TNR, INOX Prism Gachibowli, PVR Atrium Gachibowli and AMB Cinemas Gachibowli.