Actor Huma Qureshi-led film Bayaan is all set to debut at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. The police procedural thriller—directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, is the only film from India selected for the prestigious Discovery section of TIFF 2025. The film is produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films.
Qureshi, who also serves as an executive producer, in a statement, called Bayaan a "timely and powerful story" about a woman caught in the crossfire of "power, faith, and systemic complicity."
"Bayaan gave me the opportunity to play the kind of character I’ve long been drawn to—someone within the justice system, yet up against forces much larger than herself. It was an absolute joy to work with a team so passionate and fearless in telling a story that feels both vital and universal," she said in the statement.
Mishra is "deeply honoured" to present his second feature film at the Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section — "a platform that has launched the journeys of many filmmakers I admire and cherish".
"It is my attempt to bear witness to a society in transition – and to the quiet courage of those who choose to speak," he said.
Bayaan also stars Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra, in pivotal roles. Udit Khurana has done the cinematography and editing is done by A Sreekar Prasad (RRR). Ajay Jayanthi has composed the music.
Sharing the first look poster of Bayaan, the makers wrote on Instagram, "A rookie detective. An impossible case. Here’s your first look at BAYAAN, all set to have its World Premiere at TIFF 2025. We’re proud to be the only film from India selected for the prestigious Discovery section. A story that felt urgent to tell — made with passion, purpose, and an incredible team (sic)".
The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, runs September 4–14, 2025.