Pune: Soul-Stirring ‘Kathakar Ki Diary’ Shatters Silence, Sparks Tears and Applause at Third Eye Asian Film Festival
Pune: Soul-Stirring 'Kathakar Ki Diary' Shatters Silence, Sparks Tears and Applause at Third Eye Asian Film Festival
Pune, January 13, 2026: The critically acclaimed film “Kathakar Ki Diary”, directed by Anwesh IRS, has added another feather to its cap with a successful screening at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival. The film, which tells the story of ordinary lives, resonated deeply with the audience, leaving many teary-eyed and inspired.
The screening was a groundbreaking moment, with a large number of third-gender individuals in attendance, including prominent activists Bobby and Anu Anutai. They praised the film for its authentic portrayal of the transgender community, with Bobby saying it was “remarkably close to her life” and Anu Akade blessing the team for their creative endeavour.
Bobby, a transgender individual, poignantly expressed that the film not only reflects the reality of her life but also captures the nuances and struggles that others cannot fully understand or relate to. “There are things that cannot be explained to others,” she said, referring to the challenges faced by the transgender community.
Transgender model Alex, who was also present at the screening, was visibly moved to tears. “This film is probably the closest to reality, depicting my life and the lives of many others like me,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I loved the film, not just my character, but all the characters. They touched my heart. For a few moments, I felt like I was the one being depicted on the screen.” Her words brought the audience to tears, as they nodded in agreement.
The film’s powerful storytelling and poignant performances, particularly by Baby Aarohi and Yogesh Jadhav, struck a chord with the audience. The relationship between a mother and child was especially lauded for its emotional depth.
This remarkable film is a creative collaboration of over 200 artists and individuals from Odisha and Jharkhand, including the primitive vulnerable Hill Kharia tribe. It reflects the reality of ordinary lives of tribals in Odisha and the third gender which has been beautifully and realistically depicted.
The film’s unique storytelling style, which oscillates between realism and magical realism, adds to its emotional impact. “Kathakar Ki Diary” is a testament to the power of cinema to tell stories that resonate with our shared humanity.
Shot on an extremely low budget, this film by Anwesh has already garnered attention at festivals in New York , Canada, Abuja, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Legendary actor Shatrughan Sinha has compared it to the sensibilities of Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.
