Kaniyadaan

In the rural village of Bihar, Soumya Kumari fends for herself after her grandmother's passing and her uncles' betrayal of greed. Fortunately, her kind neighbor Jaswant takes her in and adopts her as a daughter. But his financial struggles and stubbornness threaten to derail Soumya's dreams of becoming a banker. Instead of supporting her by funding her coaching classes, Jaswant attempts to find her a good marriage match.

Determined to succeed, Soumya works tirelessly to earn money to support her aspirations. However, when Jaswant's financial and physical health deteriorates, the villagers falsely accuse Soumya of the stress, making her feel unappreciated and unwanted. Consequently, she leaves Jaswant's home, prompting him to reflect on his mistakes and use the money collected towards Soumya's education rather than her wedding. In a heartwarming turn of events, Jaswant supports Soumya's independence, giving her the strength to face her future.

  • Aditya Singh
    Director
  • Aditya Singh
    Writer
  • Medha Khanna
    Producer
  • Yashpal Sharma
    Key Cast
  • Amit Bhardwaj
    Key Cast
  • Shlesha Shastry
    Key Cast
  • Anjali Gupta
    Key Cast
  • Anish Bansod
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    2 hours
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    55,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Aditya Singh

Aditya Singh is an Indian filmmaker who specializes in stories rooted in the culture of his native Bihar, India. Following a filmmaking course at Whistling Woods International, he created several short films tackling class differences, identity crises, and social prejudice. He has also worked as an assistant writer and director, on advertisements and short films. A feature debut shot in his hometown, Kaniyadaan, demonstrates his distinct and authentic approach to storytelling and will soon be doing rounds in festival circuits.

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Director Statement

I have always had a strong desire to tell stories that reflect my roots and upbringing. The inspiration for this film comes from a real-life event that occurred in my village during my childhood. Through this story, I had the opportunity to explore the current state of village life and highlight the barriers that prevent people from pursuing their dreams.

The film sheds light on the persistent inequalities that exist between sons and daughters, and how outdated societal norms continue to impede progress. I wanted to create a story that encapsulated these issues in a meaningful way, and the character of a young, determined female protagonist was the perfect way to do so.

My protagonist faces numerous challenges and obstacles, but she perseveres and fights for what she believes in. Along the way, she forms a deep and complex relationship with her father-like figure, who initially represents the regressive mindset that hinders her progress. But as the story unfolds, we see how the protagonist's actions and beliefs slowly start to influence his perspective, leading to a heartwarming transformation.

Ultimately, I wanted to convey that change must begin within our households and communities. We must challenge the status quo and work towards a more equal and progressive society. This film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking down these barriers and fighting for what we believe in, no matter how difficult the journey may be.