In a major industry development, Manoj Bajpayee’s critically acclaimed magical realism drama The Fable (titled “Jugnuma” in Hindi) has secured two of Indian cinema’s most influential voices as executive producers and presenters. Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor and acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have joined forces to bring this Berlinale-premiered film to Indian audiences on September 12, 2025.
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Manoj Bajpayee’s Transformative Performance in The Fable
Manoj Bajpayee delivers what Anurag Kashyap describes as “a performance unlike anything we’ve seen before — restrained, enigmatic, and profoundly moving” in The Fable. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the late 1980s Indian Himalayas, Manoj Bajpayee portrays Dev, a fruit orchard owner who discovers mysteriously burnt trees scattered throughout his sprawling estate.
The multiple National Film Award winner’s portrayal marks a significant departure from his previous roles, showcasing his versatility in the magical realism genre. As fires continue to break out despite his efforts to prevent them, Dev begins to see himself and his family in a new light, creating a character arc that demands both subtlety and emotional depth from Manoj Bajpayee.
| Film Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Manoj Bajpayee |
| Director | Raam Reddy |
| Character Name | Dev |
| Setting | Late 1980s Indian Himalayas |
| Genre | Magical Realism Drama |
| Hindi Title | Jugnuma |
The Fable’s Remarkable Festival Circuit Journey
The Fable has established itself as a cinematic force on the international festival circuit, earning recognition that few Indian films achieve. The film is the first Indian film to Win Best Film at the 38th Leeds International Film Festival, United Kingdom, marking a historic achievement for Indian cinema abroad.
The film’s journey began with its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, where it competed in the prestigious Encounters section. The film marks as only the second Indian film in the last 30 years to premiere in one of the key competitive sections of the Berlinale, highlighting the exceptional quality and international appeal of The Fable.
Following its Berlinale success, The Fable continued its winning streak by claiming the Special Jury Prize at Mumbai’s MAMI Film Festival, demonstrating its ability to resonate with both international and domestic audiences.
Anurag Kashyap’s Vision for Indian Cinema Presentation
Anurag Kashyap’s decision to present The Fable stems from his deep appreciation for director Raam Reddy’s previous work and his recognition of Manoj Bajpayee’s exceptional performance. “I had loved Raam’s ‘Thithi,’ which was so rooted and genuine, and with ‘Jugnuma,’ he has created a film that feels timeless,” Kashyap said.
The acclaimed director of “Gangs of Wasseypur,” who previously collaborated with Manoj Bajpayee on that crime saga, brings his industry influence and artistic credibility to ensure The Fable reaches the widest possible audience in India.
Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Commitment to Artistic Excellence
Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor’s involvement through her Sikhya Entertainment banner represents a significant endorsement for The Fable. “When I first saw ‘Jugnuma,’ it felt like a mirror. It unsettled me, comforted me, and reminded me of cinema’s deepest purpose,” she said.
Monga Kapoor, whose “The Elephant Whisperers” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, brings her expertise in promoting meaningful cinema to global audiences. Her commitment to The Fable includes highlighting its unique production values and artistic merit.
| Key Presenters | Background | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Guneet Monga Kapoor | Oscar-winning Producer | The Elephant Whisperers, Lunchbox |
| Anurag Kashyap | Acclaimed Director | Gangs of Wasseypur, Dev.D |
| Production Company | Sikhya Entertainment | Various award-winning productions |
Raam Reddy’s Artistic Vision and The Fable’s Unique Craftsmanship
Director Raam Reddy’s sophomore feature represents a significant evolution from his 2016 Kannada debut “Thithi,” which won two top awards at Locarno. Reddy described crafting “Jugnuma” as “a deeply personal journey” that draws from memory, folklore and history.
The Fable’s commitment to traditional filmmaking techniques sets it apart in an increasingly digital landscape. Monga Kapoor also highlighted the film’s commitment to analog craftsmanship, noting it was shot on film rather than digital formats, creating a visual texture that enhances the storytelling experience.
This dedication to film stock rather than digital capture creates what Monga Kapoor describes as a situation where “Every grain of color speaks, adding to its timeless beauty”, perfectly complementing Manoj Bajpayee’s nuanced performance.
The Stellar Ensemble Supporting Manoj Bajpayee
The Fable features an exceptional ensemble cast that supports Manoj Bajpayee’s central performance. The film includes accomplished actors Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, Tillotama Shome, Hiral Sidhu, and Awan Pookot, each bringing their unique talents to this mystical narrative.
The Hindi dialogue for the film has been crafted by acclaimed writer Varun Grover, whose lyrical sensibility adds depth to the storytelling. This collaboration between Grover’s writing and Manoj Bajpayee’s performance creates a rich linguistic landscape that serves the film’s folkloric themes.
Distribution Strategy and Theatrical Release Planning
Flip Films has been selected as the distributor for The Fable’s Indian theatrical release on September 12, 2025. Ranjan Singh of distributor Flip Films called “Jugnuma” one of the rare movies that reflects “the passion and honesty with which it was mounted in every frame”.
The distribution strategy emphasizes the importance of experiencing The Fable in theaters, aligning with Raam Reddy’s vision. “The film was designed to be a larger than life sensory experience and it was always my dream that its sense of scale should be experienced in theatres,” Reddy said.
Industry Impact and Cultural Significance
The collaboration between Manoj Bajpayee, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Anurag Kashyap on The Fable represents a significant moment for Indian independent cinema. The film’s success on the international festival circuit, combined with the backing of these industry leaders, creates a model for how Indian films can achieve both artistic recognition and commercial viability.
The Fable’s themes of family, tradition, and the supernatural resonate with universal human experiences while maintaining distinctly Indian cultural elements. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance anchors these themes, providing emotional depth that transcends cultural boundaries.
Production Partnerships and International Collaboration
The Fable is produced as an Indian-American co-production by Prspctvs Productions in collaboration with Maxmedia and Sikhya Entertainment. This international partnership reflects the growing global recognition of Indian storytelling and Manoj Bajpayee’s international appeal as a performer.
The involvement of veteran Hollywood producer Sunmin Park, known for “The Others” starring Nicole Kidman, demonstrates the project’s international credentials and commercial potential beyond Indian markets.
Future Implications for Manoj Bajpayee’s Career
The Fable represents a significant milestone in Manoj Bajpayee’s already distinguished career, showcasing his ability to excel in international productions while maintaining his connection to Indian storytelling traditions. The film’s festival success and the support from industry heavyweights Kashyap and Monga Kapoor position Manoj Bajpayee for continued recognition in global cinema circles.
The September 12 theatrical release will serve as a crucial test of Indian audiences’ appetite for artistically ambitious films featuring established stars like Manoj Bajpayee. The success of The Fable could pave the way for more international co-productions featuring Indian talent in lead roles.
The Fable stands as a testament to the power of collaborative filmmaking and the continued evolution of Indian cinema on the global stage. With Manoj Bajpayee’s compelling central performance supported by the industry expertise of Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap, this magical realism drama is positioned to make a lasting impact on both critics and audiences when it arrives in theaters on September 12, 2025.
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FAQs
When will Manoj Bajpayee’s The Fable release in Indian theaters?
The Fable (titled “Jugnuma” in Hindi) starring Manoj Bajpayee will release theatrically across India on September 12, 2025.
What role do Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap play in The Fable?
Both Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap serve as executive producers and presenters for The Fable, bringing their industry expertise to promote the film to Indian audiences.
What character does Manoj Bajpayee play in The Fable?
Manoj Bajpayee plays Dev, a fruit orchard owner in the late 1980s Indian Himalayas who discovers mysteriously burnt trees on his estate and must confront deeper family truths.
Which major film festivals has The Fable been featured in?
The Fable premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, won Best Film at Leeds International Film Festival, and received the Special Jury Prize at Mumbai’s MAMI Film Festival.
What makes The Fable unique in terms of production techniques?
The Fable was shot on traditional film stock rather than digital formats, creating a distinctive visual texture that adds to its timeless quality and enhances the storytelling experience.
