Actor Priyanshu Painyuli, known for his roles in Mirzapur, Extraction, and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, is making his directorial debut with the feature film Jaagar. Set in the mountains of Uttarakhand, his home state, the film explores themes of tradition, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Mirzapur actor Priyanshu Painyuli makes directorial debut with Jaagar: “This film is a shared dream”
Trained in filmmaking in Bangalore, Priyanshu Painyuli returns to Uttarakhand with Jaagar, a film centered on tradition and identity. The story follows Deepti, a woman on the edge of marriage and self-realization, who travels to Uttarakhand to film the ancient ritual of Jaagar Puja. What begins as a filmmaker’s attempt to document a sacred tradition soon transforms into a spiritual awakening.
Through Deepti’s lens, we encounter Geeta, a local woman whose divine possessions during the ritual empower her to rise above the trauma of an abusive marriage. In time, the energy of the land and its forgotten forces compel Deepti to confront her own identity and truth.
Speaking about Jaagar, Priyanshu Painyuli shared, “Jaagar is a passion project in the truest sense, a film born out of love, faith, and relentless commitment. It’s even more special because it marks the first production from our own company, a dream Vandana and I built together. This isn’t just my film; it belongs to all of us who poured our hearts into it, from Vandana to our families and to every single member of our team who believed in the story and spirit of Jaagar. This film is a shared dream, a collective heartbeat, and a testament to what’s possible when you create with honesty and heart.”
The Uttarakhand government has extended its support to Jaagar, acknowledging the film’s focus on the spiritual and cultural aspects of the state. Shot by cinematographer Hemant Kumar, the film features locations across the Garhwal region, including the city of Uttarkashi. The cast includes Vandana Joshi, Saarika Singh, Rishi Solanki, Priyanshu Painyuli, and several local actors from Uttarakhand.
“Uttarakhand is where I come from — its mountains, stories, and traditions live within me. Jaagar is a film I’ve carried in my heart for years. I knew that if I ever made the move to directing a feature, it had to be with something this personal and rooted. I’m excited, nervous, but mostly grateful to be able to tell this story,” Priyanshu added.
Also Read: Shehar Lakhot: Priyanshu Painyuli reveals, “I’ve never lived with a character for so long”
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