Following its prestigious unveiling at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, Oscar-acclaimed director Indira Dhar’s debut Hindi-language feature Echoes of Valour is set for its first-ever exclusive closed-door screening at the Venice Film Festival 2025.
Starring celebrated actors Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi, Echoes of Valour is a poignant biopic on the mother of an Indian army soldier. The film, which took over four years to go into production, is a layered meditation on motherhood, loss, and the often-unseen strength of women in the shadow of conflict. This marks a powerful return to the big screen for Dhar, whose last feature Putul, received international recognition and Academy Award nominations in three categories – Best Picture, Best Original Soundtrack and Best BGM Score
Speaking about the upcoming screening at Venice director Indira Dhar shared “Echoes of Valour has been an intensely personal journey—one that explores the fragile terrain of love, loss, and the human instinct to seek redemption. For its first intimate showing to be at Venice feels deeply right. I’m honoured to begin the film’s conversation with the world in a place that values both vulnerability and vision. Returning to the international festival circuit after Putul has been both humbling and energizing—this moment feels like a quiet coming home.”
Echoes of Valour is directed by Indira Dhar and produced by Margaret Zambonini and IKA Studios and will screen as part of a private close door showcase during the Venice Film Festival 2025. As it begins its journey beyond borders, Echoes of Valour offers a powerful reflection on the emotional terrain shaped by conflict and the quiet resilience of those who endure it. Its Venice premiere marks the start of a meaningful path ahead, marking the first step in a journey that promises to move hearts across the world.
International Producer, Margaret Zambonini’s quote “Echoes of Valour” a biopic, captivated my attention from the outset. I was immediately drawn to the story of Shukla Bandopadhyay. As a mother, she grappled with the profound grief of losing her son to a terrorist on the Kashmir border. Her only aspiration for gaining peace was to risk her own life to connect with the mothers of the enemy’s soldiers and terrorists. This poignant tale encapsulates the profound love and passion of a mother. Through her courageous act, she discovered the strength to grieve for her son. As the daughter of a British soldier, who endured immense hardship, and the mother of three sons I felt an immediate kinship with the story.
