NYIFF 2026-Bindusagar

A young woman seeking her roots meets a grieving father finding faith; together they discover redemption in Bhubaneswar, India.

Bindusagar
Director: Abhishek Swain
Starring: Prakruti Mishra, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Sonalli Sharmisstha, Satya Ranjan, Robin Das, Sukant Rath and Pranab Prasanna Rath
Run time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Language: Odia

Synopsis:
Amidst the ancient temples and labyrinthine lanes of Bhubaneswar, 22-year-old Sreeja arrives from London, carrying a cryptic letter from her late mother. Sagar, a charismatic Ramleela performer, becomes Sreeja’s reluctant guide, leading her towards the coastal town of Puri. There, she encounters Raghunath, her estranged grandfather, whose grief has manifested in a retreat from the world and his craft.

Meanwhile, Kalia, wrestling with the loss of his child, wanders through the sacred landscape in existential turmoil.

Set against the backdrop of Odisha’s living heritage, the film is a meditation on displacement and rediscovery. Through its intertwined stories, Bindusagar explores the fleeting nature of belonging and the healing power of storytelling.

Abhishek Swain is an award-winning Indian filmmaker with over eight years of experience including films, documentaries, advertising etc. His debut feature, Jajabara 2.0, premiered in March 2024. Abhishek's achievements include winning the Indian Telly Streaming Award for writing and directing the anthology Four.