Pune GST Joint Commission Anwesh’s film Kathakar Ki Diary Makes A Stunning Entry In International New York Film Festival
Pune GST Joint Commission Anwesh's film Kathakar Ki Diary Makes A Stunning Entry In International New York Film Festival
Pune Based IRS Anwesh’s Low budget film has got official selection for International New York Film Festival.
Pune, September 16, 2025: “IRS Officer Anwesh’s film ‘Kathakar Ki Diary’ (The Story of Ordinary Lives) has made a remarkable entry into the prestigious International New York Film Festival (INYFF). As a Joint Commissioner in the GST Department in Pune, Anwesh has showcased his creative prowess and the journey has been nothing less than exceptional. No big banners, minuscule budget , no big names , yet the film has been made , testifying Anwesh ‘s immense passion and creative collaboration of artists and technicians.
With a limited crew , this film was shot by Anwesh across Mumbai, Pune, Odisha and Jharkhand, balancing between his work life in the day while shooting and post production in the night.
‘Kathakar Ki Diary’ is a cinematic tribute to the stories of the common man, of all of us and a vibrant example of collaborative effort and creativity, featuring around 200 local , theatre artists and technicians from Odisha, Mumbai, and Pune.
The film has been edited by National Award-winning editor Aseem Sinha, who has worked with legendary Shyam Benegal on several acclaimed films, adding to its uniqueness. Sinha was so impressed with the project that he edited the film without charging any fee, reflecting the shared cinematic vision and dedication to art between him and Anwesh. Krishna and Biswa Behura from FTII, Pune have also contributed in the post production and were part of this creative collaboration.
Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who attended a private screening of the film in Mumbai, praised ‘Kathakar Ki Diary’, comparing it to the timeless works of Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen. He said, “Anwesh’s film reminds me of my FTII days. It’s an international-level amazing craft work with living and realistic characters.
Despite limited resources, Anwesh’s cinematic passion and craftsmanship shines through on screen.”
The selection of ‘Kathakar Ki Diary’ at INYFF proves that true stories and powerful storytelling transcend budget constraints. The film features talented artists like Kapil Bhagwat, Yogesh Jadhav, Baby Aarohi Chatterjee, Ashlesha Sundermal and Daniel Vincent whose performances have captured the audience’s heart. The film in select preview earlier received appreciation from filmmaker Sejal Shah, producer Krishika Lulla, director Sai Kabir. Social activist Rekha Rao and Gauri Sawant also praised the film
Anwesh’s achievement is not just about a film’s selection but a story that symbolizes dedication to art, hard work, and collective efforts. Made with minimal resources, ‘Kathakar Ki Diary’ is now ready to reach a global audience, marking a proud moment for Indian cinema. The film not only narrates the story of ordinary lives but also proves that passion and hard work are enough to turn big dreams into reality.
