Kirti Kulhari’s Production Debut 'Kinaare' Set for DIFF Premiere
Actor Kirti Kulhari marks her production debut with 'Kinaare', set to premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival.
In a significant career milestone, actor Kirti Kulhari is venturing into the world of film production with her first feature, Kinaare. The film is slated to make its grand premiere at the prestigious Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), marking a deeply personal transition for the actor as she takes on the mantle of a producer.
Produced under her own banner, Kintsukuroi Films, in collaboration with co-producers Abhishek Koka and Maansi Guptey, Kinaare is a project born out of a passion for collaborative storytelling. Written and directed by the Qadri brothers, Akbar and Azam Qadri, the film features a strong ensemble cast including Kulhari herself, Rajeev Siddhartha, Alka Amin, and Ravi Taneja.
A Heartwarming Tale of Family and Forgiveness
Set in a quiet village on the outskirts of Delhi, Kinaare tells the story of Amina, played by Kirti Kulhari. Amina is a single woman whose existence revolves around the selfless care of her aging parents and the maintenance of her home. However, her predictable routine is shattered when her cousin brother (played by Azam Qadri) arrives unexpectedly after a 15-year absence.
This sudden reunion digs up old wounds and a fractured family history. As they navigate the gap of lost years and rediscover lost love, Amina finds herself moving toward a place of peace with her past and a newfound acceptance of her present life.
Inspired by World Cinema
Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Kulhari described the moment as a "BIG DAY," expressing gratitude for the selection of her maiden production at DIFF 2026. She highlighted that the process of creating the film reinforced her belief in cinema as a collaborative art form.
Kulhari revealed that the film's tone was heavily influenced by her appreciation for Iranian cinema.
“Kinaare is a film that happens to be my first child as a producer, and that will always remain special. It’s a script that really resonated with me. It’s a simple, heartwarming, and subtle film. I find all these adjectives in Iranian films—which I’ve always really loved—so when something like this came to me, I knew I had to make it,”she stated.
The Challenges of Independent Production
With over a decade of experience in front of the camera, Kulhari admitted that stepping behind it as a producer was a daunting task. She emphasized her desire to keep the project independent to ensure the creative vision remained intact.
She expressed immense pride in her team, noting that every member of the crew stood by the project purely for the passion of cinema and belief in the script, allowing them to create the film exactly as they envisioned it collectively.
Actor's Perspective on the Script
Co-star Rajeev Siddhartha also praised the depth of the writing, noting that the script allowed actors to explore the "spaces between the words." He believes the universal themes of the movie will leave the audience feeling moved and internally changed.
The Creative Team
The artistic vision of Kinaare is supported by a skilled technical crew, including:
- Cinematographer: Arjun Sundaram
- Music Composer: Mohan Kannan
- Editor: Bakul Matiyani
- Sound Designer: Sanjay Chaturvedi