Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen join new film fund initiative supporting independent cinema

What are the vital ingredients an aspiring filmmaker needs when they have a story to tell but no outlet? Beyond a script, they need financial stability, production expertise, and industry access. Addressing this gap, Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures have launched a landmark feature film co-production fund of Rs 40,00,000 designed to back an emerging filmmaker with a distinct voice and a clear vision. In a significant boost to the independent ecosystem, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Shaunak Sen (All That Breathes) and globally acclaimed auteur Vishal Bhardwaj have joined the initiative as mentors. Sen is also attached to the selected project as an Executive Producer. The high-profile jury for the fund includes actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav (Cargo, Mrs), producer Aman Mann (All That Breathes), and renowned author and festival director Aseem Chhabra. Harshit Bansal, Founder of Humans of Cinema, shared that the idea took shape when Nazim Momin of Safarnaama Pictures—...

Jaya Bachchan on grandson Agastya Nanda in Ikkis: "He's determined to forge his own path just like I once did"

The Bachchan legacy continues as Agastya Nanda steps into the spotlight once again this time in Sriram Raghavan’s much-awaited war drama Ikkis. The film’s trailer introduces Agastya as Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s youngest and most celebrated war heroes.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for acclaimed thrillers like Ek Haseena Thi, Badlapur and Andhadhun, Ikkis brings to screen the extraordinary courage and humanity of a soldier who laid down his life in the 1971 war. The trailer hints at a sensitive and restrained take on patriotism a hallmark of Raghavan’s storytelling. The film also stars Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, with Agastya Nanda leading the narrative as the brave, idealistic officer whose story continues to inspire generations.

A third-generation actor from the iconic Bachchan family, Agastya, son of Shweta Bachchan and grandson of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, who made his acting debut in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies. With Ikkis, he takes a sharp turn into a more intense and realistic role.

Jaya Bachchan shared her thoughts on her grandson’s journey and preparation for the role. “Luckily, Agastya is a fast learner. Neither of his parents are actors, so he’s leaning on his grandparents and his Maamu (Uncle) Abhishek Bachchan for guidance,” she revealed. “You know me — I wouldn’t praise anyone, least of all my own children or grandchildren. But Agastya is special. That child is determined to forge his own path. Just like I once did. Like me, he won’t follow the herd.”

Set for a December 2025 release, Ikkis marks a powerful collaboration between a visionary filmmaker and a young actor with an iconic lineage — promising a blend of emotion, authenticity, and cinematic impact.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan pens emotional note for grandson Agastya Nanda as Ikkis trailer drops: “You are SPECIAL… all my prayers and blessings to you”



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