Odisha-born, internationally acclaimed filmmaker-producer Jitendra Mishra’s Rajasthan feature film Whispers of the Mountains, written and directed by Jigar Nagda, captivated audiences at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
The film achieved a historic milestone as the first-ever Rajasthani-language feature to be screened in the prestigious Indian Panorama section. Co-produced by Mishra’s Cinema4Good Pvt. Ltd. and Nagda’s Udaipur Pictures, the film drew packed audiences at INOX Panaji on November 24 and INOX Porvorim on November 25.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Indian Panorama showcases the year’s finest Indian films of cinematic, thematic, and aesthetic excellence. Since its introduction in 1978, the section has consistently promoted Indian cinema, culture, and heritage through non-profit screenings.
Shot in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand and Udaipur districts, surrounded by the Aravalli ranges, Whispers of the Mountains tells a poignant story of a father and son caught between survival and ideals. Moreover, the narrative explores the cost of progress, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unyielding bond between man and nature.
Director Jigar Nagda explained, “Through the story of a father and son, we’ve tried to show how neglecting the environment can harm society and why a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability is essential.”
Producer Jitendra Mishra emphasised, “Selection at IFFI is the biggest recognition of our team’s hard work and a celebration of regional cinema. Rajasthan has always been special to me, and this film continues my journey of promoting culture-forward stories that inspire hope and empathy.”
Ultimately, Whispers of the Mountains stands as a testament to authentic storytelling. Furthermore, it marks another milestone for Indian regional cinema, proving its universal appeal on the global stage.
