Pankaj Kumar, known for his cinematography in films like ‘Thumbpath’ and ‘Ship of Theseus’, is making his directorial debut with the tribal action drama ‘Konyak’. Set in North-East India, the film follows the journey of a young warrior through conflict and betrayal. Produced by Kumar’s Zeeboom Studios, ‘Konyak’ explores themes of resilience and identity, drawing inspiration from epic stories like ‘Fury Road’ and ‘Apocalypto’.
“Thumbpath” and “Ship of Theseus” cinematographer Pankaj Kumar is all set to make his directorial debut with a tribal action drama titled “Konyak”.
The project, which will be shot in Konyak Naga and Hindi, is based on Ghosh’s travels through Nagaland. Known for his work on films including “Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva” and “Talwar”, Kumar is directing and producing the film under his production banner, which focuses on dramatic storytelling.
Kumar, who has directed Raj & T.K.’s Prime Video series “Farsi” and the Netflix series “Guns & Gulabs“, is currently in post-production on his horror series “Kaff”, which he directed for Prime Video.
The film, set in Northeast India, has been selected for the NFDC Screenwriters Lab 2024, a part of Film Bazaar, and will be produced by Kumar’s newly founded Zeeboom Studios.
Kumar said: “The vision for ‘Konyak’ was to create something deep and untamed, a film that lives and breathes on the big screen, where every frame tells a story of tolerance and heritage. As a director, coming from a cinematography background, it’s a project that brings all the elements together.”
“It’s exciting to work with Uddhav to take his compelling story and transform it into a grand visual experience that is deeply rooted in the essence of its setting, driven by the pulse of adventure.”
Written by Uddhav Ghosh, the film follows a young warrior named Tungbang, who is guided by prophetic visions and must protect his community during a deadly conflict between clandestine tribes. The story explores themes of betrayal and honor, as he confronts his former friend-turned-enemy, Sangpa, reported Variety.com.
Ghosh shared that the vision was always clear to create an action epic that feels raw, unfiltered, and steeped in authenticity, with the primary storytelling of films like ‘Fury Road’ and ‘Apocalypto’.
“With Pankaj Kumar now as the director, his visual talent elevates this film to a worthy cinematic spectacle. His enthusiasm resonates with me as we create a story that is not only about action but also about identity and resilience. Everyday life,” Ghosh added.
Script editor Claire Dobbin, who helmed the project, called it “more than just an action movie. It’s a compelling story of betrayal, courage and resilience and shines a light on a little-known, but unforgettable people, Cognac.”
Script editor Claire Dobbin, who helmed the project, called it “more than just an action movie. It’s a compelling story of betrayal, courage and resilience, and the little-known but unforgettable people of Cognac. The light shines on.”
Marten Rabards, Chair of IFFR Pro at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, who has also served as a Lab Guide, notes: “Like many thoughtful filmmakers in all parts of the formerly colonized world, Uddhav Ghosh explores the long-hidden stories of Indigenous First Nations peoples and works with them to uncover intense and complex histories. , which is a resistance to the British Empire and a deep connection to the land and place that connects them in love, war, blood and spirit. Communication.”
Film Bazaar is the project market component of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Also Read: “Pankaj Kumar”, the cinematographer for Tumbbad, will direct his first film, “Konyak”