Two Sinners’ Premieres at Oscar-Qualifying Tasveer Festival

The short film Two Sinners, written and directed by Samir Zaidi, is generating international buzz as it premieres on October 11 at the Tasveer Film Festival & Market. This year’s Tasveer is especially noteworthy because it is the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival in the world.

Produced by Shivam Gupta, with Vishal Bhardwaj serving as Executive Producer, Two Sinners stands out for its bold storytelling and emotional intensity. The narrative unfolds in a forested Indian landscape, where Azhar, portrayed by Shardul Bhardwaj, confronts a man who has destroyed his family. Through their encounter, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and moral ambiguity.

The film’s supporting cast includes Deipak Sampat, Baharul Islam, and Aditi Sivaraman, each bringing depth and humanity to the unfolding drama. Their performances reflect the internal conflicts and vulnerabilities that drive the story forward.

Vishal Bhardwaj described the film as “a brave, morally restless work whose voice rings true.” Director Samir Zaidi emphasized that Two Sinners is not a simple tale of right versus wrong. “It’s not about right or wrong,” he explained. “It’s about the space in between — where most of us really live.” Producer Shivam Gupta added that honesty was the guiding principle behind the film — in its performances, craft, and intentions.

The premiere at Tasveer is a milestone for Two Sinners. Being selected at an Oscar-qualifying festival gives the film a rare chance to gain global recognition. It’s a moment that underlines the film’s ambition and the maturity of its creative vision.

This is not the film’s first stop on the festival circuit. Before Tasveer, Two Sinners already screened at prestigious festivals such as the New York Indian Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival. These screenings reflect the film’s broad appeal and its ability to resonate across different cultural contexts.

As a piece of independent cinema, Two Sinners challenges conventional morality and compels audiences to reflect deeply on the nature of sin, suffering, and redemption. Its premiere at such a significant festival marks a powerful step forward — not just for the film, but for Indian independent storytelling at large.