Jio Studios and Stage5 Productions’ Bun Tikki, a poignant coming-of-age drama exploring the intricate dynamics of a father-son relationship, had its global premiere at the prestigious 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California. The event was a highlight of the festival, drawing attention from global cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry leaders alike.

The screening was graced by renowned fashion icon turned producer Manish Malhotra who was joined by debutant feature film director Faraz Arif Ansari and lead actor Abhay Deol. At the screening, director Faraz Ansari said “Bun Tikki is a really special film for me. It stems from the love and empathy that my mother instilled in me during my growing up years. There was a lot of love and empathy at home which was a super power that my mother gave me and I believe it reflects in my story telling and I feel that will continue to be my legacy in filming. To champion love, to champion healing and to remind the world that kindess is something that will win the day over and over and over again! This film is a manifestation of my mother’s love.

Producer Manish Malhotra shared “Bun Tikki is very special. The day I read the script, I decided, I am definitely making this film. For us, it’s a film full of emotion and love. It’s a very strong story about the acceptance of children by their parents, exactly as they are. I believe this thought process should be embraced by every parent, both in India and around the world. As a producer, I want to continue my journey of backing films like these.”

Lead actor, Abhay Deol shared “I liked the script as soon as I read it. I judge a script when it jumps off the page. I loved the story, of course, but especially the mischief between the father and son. The theme of this film is acceptance and diversity. We live in a world so full of hate, and this film is about love and acceptance. I think we have much less of that in the world. I feel stories don’t always need to have a message, but good stories always bring a message with them. It comes out naturally. The integrity with which Faraz (the director) wrote this really came through. The relationship this man has with his son, and how it shows his perspective— the empathy that this film portrays really got to me more than anything else. He’s not a bad guy; he just doesn’t know how to deal with it because he himself is conditioned. The subject really got to me more than anything else.”

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Marijke deSouza and Manish Malhotra, Bun Tikki features an ensemble cast of legendary actors including Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman, alongside Nushrratt Bharucha and Rohaan Preet Singh. The film’s layered narrative, emotionally charged storytelling and profound performances promise to leave a lasting impact on audiences. In the serene setting of Nainital, Bun Tikki follows the journeys of seven-year-old Shanu and his single father, Sidhant. Shanu grapples with self-discovery amid societal challenges, while Sidhant navigates grief and societal pressures as a single parent trying to understand his child. The film explores themes of parenthood, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Bun Tikki's premiere at PSIFF marks a significant milestone in its journey towards global recognition and, the talented team behind it is eager to share its emotional journey with audiences across the globe.