‘Phoolan’ receives standing ovation at Toronto International Film Festival world premiere
Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming Hindi action drama ‘Phoolan’ received a standing ovation from an audience of more than 2,000 attendees at its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Directed, written and produced by Richie Mehta, the film screened in the festival’s prestigious Special Presentation section and was showcased at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre. Following the screening, the film drew strong reactions from audiences and critics attending the premiere.
‘Phoolan’ chronicles a pivotal 48-hour period in the life of Phoolan Devi. Based on her autobiography, I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen, published by Editions Robert Laffont, the film explores the events that shaped one of India’s most controversial and enduring figures.
Reflecting on the film’s world premiere, writer-director and producer Richie Mehta said: “Phoolan Devi’s story is one that demands to be told with honesty, and without compromise. I was drawn to a very specific chapter of Phoolan’s life, the formative years before the world knew her name, contrasted with the period where she was a misunderstood legend. It felt essential to me to strip away the mythology and reveal the human underneath. The themes at the heart of her story – resilience in the face of adversity, the search for dignity, and the courage to claim one’s own voice – are timeless. They resonate just as strongly today as they did then, across cultures and geographies. That is why this felt like the right moment to bring her story to the screen.
“From ‘Poacher’ to ‘Phoolan’, Amazon MGM Studios has been a true creative collaborator, one that backs a filmmaker’s vision and gives stories like these the global canvas they deserve. To witness the audience at TIFF rise to their feet, visibly moved, tells me that ‘Phoolan’s’ story has connected in exactly the way we hoped it would. I hope I have done justice to her voice and her story, the way she wanted the world to know.”
“With ‘Phoolan’, backing his vision was instinctive. At Amazon MGM Studios, we believe in the conviction of our filmmakers and their creative freedom to tell stories honestly and Richie exemplifies exactly that. ‘Phoolan’ is one of those stories carrying a universal theme that transcends borders and languages. We are excited for audiences to experience this film in an authentic way.”
Producer Shareen Mantri Kedia of Namah Pictures added: “‘Phoolan’ is an incredibly special film for all of us at Namah Pictures, and seeing it premiere at TIFF is both emotional and a moment of immense pride. This is a story that has lived in our hearts for a long time, a story of courage and the strength of the human spirit. Richie Mehta has brought such honesty and sensitivity to every frame, and Sneha Kumari has delivered a truly remarkable performance as Phoolan that I believe will resonate deeply with audiences.
“What makes this collaboration special is how each partner brings something distinct to the table. Namah Pictures’ deep connection to Indian stories, Richie Mehta’s nuanced and sensitive filmmaking, and Amazon MGM Studios’ ability to bring meaningful cinema to a global stage, together, creates the right home for a story like Phoolan’s.
“Watching people at TIFF connect with her story reminded me why we made this film. There are stories that belong not just to one person, but to all of humanity. Phoolan’s life, defined by courage, dignity, and an unbreakable will to survive, is one such story. It is this universality that drives us to carry her narrative forward, using her story as a guiding light for storytelling that truly matters.”
The premiere was attended by the film’s cast and creative team, including lead actress Sneha Kumari, who portrays Phoolan Devi, alongside cast members Anurag Thakur, Aakash Dahiya and Vikram Pratap Singh. They were joined by Richie Mehta, producers Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kanwal Kohli and Kishor Arora of Namah Pictures, as well as Shilangi Mukherji representing Amazon MGM Studios India.
