Palm Springs Film Festival: Abhay Deol, Manish Malhotra’s ‘Bun Tikki’ To Premiere At Festival

January 9, 2025: Bun Tikki is an emotionally charged father-son drama that explores the themes of acceptance, love, and diversity. The film stars Abhay Deol and is produced by the renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Its world premiere took place at the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California, garnering attention for its heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances.

Set in Nainital, the narrative centers around the relationship between a single father and his young son, Shanu. The bond they share, filled with both mischief and warmth, forms the emotional core of the film. This touching exploration of family dynamics is underscored by the overarching theme of acceptance, particularly in the context of parent-child relationships. The film challenges conventional expectations, urging parents to embrace their children for who they truly are, without trying to fit them into societal norms.

Manish Malhotra, in his role as a producer, expressed his deep connection to the story, emphasizing its emotional richness. He spoke about how the script immediately resonated with him and how he felt compelled to bring this story to life. He also highlighted the universal relevance of the film’s message, which advocates for the unconditional acceptance of children across the world.

Abhay Deol, who plays the father in the film, shared his own admiration for the script. He was particularly drawn to the father-son dynamic and the mischief that fills their interactions. According to him, the film’s message about love and acceptance, set against a world often filled with negativity and hate, is a timely and important one. Abhay noted that the film doesn’t explicitly try to deliver a message; instead, its depth emerges naturally through its storytelling.

The film is directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, whose direction and writing were praised for their integrity and empathy. Abhay noted that the director’s nuanced portrayal of the father’s internal conflict—his struggle to understand his son, despite his own societal conditioning—was particularly impactful.

In addition to Abhay Deol, Bun Tikki features a stellar supporting cast, including Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Nushrratt Bharucha, and Rohaan Preet Singh, making it a notable ensemble film.

Produced by Jio Studios and Stage5 Productions, Bun Tikki promises to be an insightful and heartwarming addition to contemporary Indian cinema, one that invites reflection on the importance of empathy, understanding, and unconditional love in parent-child relationships.