In a historic milestone for Indian cinema, ‘The Fable,’ directed by Raam Reddy and featuring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, is set to have its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. The film will compete in the prestigious Encounters Competition, marking only the second Indian film in the last 30 years to premiere in such a key competitive section at the Berlinale.
‘The Fable’ is Raam Reddy’s second feature, following the success of his multi-award-winning film ‘Thithi.’ The US-Indian co-production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Manoj Bajpayee, Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, Tillotama Shome, debutant Hiral Sidhu, and child actor Awan Pookot. The film is scheduled for an evening premiere on the opening day, a slot usually reserved for highly anticipated films.
Manoj Bajpayee expressed his excitement about the film’s selection, stating, “Joining the cast of ‘The Fable’ has been a remarkable experience. Working with a creative mind like Raam Reddy and participating in an A-festival backed by an international production house for the first time has been incredibly inspiring. Our film’s presence at Berlinale signifies the global reach and artistic caliber of Indian storytelling.”
Raam Reddy, the film’s writer and director, described ‘The Fable’ as more than just a film but an “unadulterated piece of my soul.” He expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Manoj Bajpayee and the talented cast, the opportunity to premiere in a competitive section of Berlinale, and the global support for the film.
The film is produced by veteran producer Sunmim Park, known for her work on the Hollywood hit ‘The Others’ and other international successes. Raam Reddy’s previous film, ‘Thithi,’ received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning over 20 international awards and securing worldwide rights with Netflix.
The Encounters Competition at the Berlin Film Festival has historically seen limited Indian representation, making ‘The Fable’ a significant entry in showcasing the diversity and artistic caliber of Indian storytelling on the global stage.