Two Sinners to Premiere at Oscar-Qualifying Tasveer Film Festival 2025

The critically acclaimed short film Two Sinners is set to screen on October 11, 2025, at the prestigious Tasveer Film Festival & Market, the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival. Known for bold, socially relevant storytelling, Tasveer offers a powerful platform for emerging voices, making this premiere a significant moment for the filmmakers. The festival runs from October 8–12, 2025.

Written and directed by debut filmmaker Samir Zaidi, Two Sinners is produced by renowned casting director and producer Shivam Gupta, with acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj supporting as Executive Producer.

Set against the haunting backdrop of an Indian forest, the film follows Azhar, portrayed by BAFTA Breakthrough talent Shardul Bhardwaj, as he confronts the man responsible for his sister’s assault under his elder brother’s guidance. The story unfolds as a tense, emotionally charged exploration of cycles of violence, moral ambiguities, and the delicate balance between justice and forgiveness.

The film features standout performances by Deipak Sampat, Baharul Islam, and Aditi Sivaraman, challenging audiences to navigate the uncomfortable grey zones between right and wrong, victim and perpetrator.

“Two Sinners is a brave, morally restless film. Samir’s voice rings true,” said Executive Producer Vishal Bhardwaj. “I wish him and the team all the very best at Tasveer, and for the journey ahead as the film reaches new audiences worldwide.”

Director Samir Zaidi added, “Having Two Sinners premiere at Tasveer is incredibly special. The festival celebrates stories that challenge, question, and linger, exactly what we hoped to do with this film. For me, Two Sinners is about the weight of our choices—not right or wrong, but the space in between, where most of us truly live.”

Produced under Zaidi’s Crazy Cocoon Collective, the film also lists Vipin Sharma (Hotel Mumbai, Taare Zameen Par) as Co-Producer, with Probir Umesh Sabnis and Sohail Anjum joining Vishal Bhardwaj as Executive Producers.

Producer Shivam Gupta said, “From the very beginning, Two Sinners was shaped by honesty—in performances, craft, and intent. Samir’s courage to confront hard questions without taking sides is what makes this film so powerful. A win at Tasveer would honor this vision and highlight Indian cinema on the global stage.”

The film previously premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival in June 2025, followed by screenings at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival in September.