Pankaj Kumar, Cinematographer Behind Tumbbad, Set to Make His Directorial Debut

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NOVEMBER 26,2024

Renowned cinematographer Pankaj Kumar, celebrated for his work on films like Tumbbad and Talvar, is stepping into the director's chair with his feature film debut, Konyak. The film is a tribal action drama set against the rich cultural backdrop of northeast India, focusing on a young warrior's journey. With Kumar's exceptional visual storytelling skills and a compelling narrative written by Uddhav Ghosh, Konyak promises to be a cinematic spectacle that blends raw action with deep-rooted themes of identity and resilience.

Konyak: A Tribal Saga Rooted in Northeast India

Konyak tells the story of Thungpang, a young warrior driven by prophetic visions. Thungpang must protect his community during a deadly conflict between headhunting tribes. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal and honour, reflecting the complex and rich heritage of the region. The story emerged from Pankaj Kumar's travels through Nagaland, capturing the essence of its culture and history.

Writer Uddhav Ghosh shared his vision for the film, saying, 'The vision was always clearmdashto create an action epic that felt raw, unfiltered, and steeped in authenticity, drawing on the primal storytelling of films like 'Fury Road' and 'Apocalypto.' With Pankaj Kumar now on board as director, his visual mastery elevates this film into the cinematic spectacle it deserves to be.'

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About Pankaj Kumar

Pankaj Kumar's stellar career in cinematography includes acclaimed projects like Tumbbad, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, and Ship of Theseus. He has also contributed to popular series such as Raj amp DK's Farzi and Netflix's Guns amp Gulaabs. His expertise in creating visually stunning narratives sets high expectations for his directorial debut.

Speaking about the project, Kumar said, 'The vision for 'Konyak' is to create something immersive and untamed, a film that lives and breathes on the big screen, where every frame tells a story of endurance and heritage.'

Konyak was selected for the prestigious NFDC Screenwriters Lab 2024, a part of the Film Bazaar hosted by the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The Film Bazaar, held from November 20-24 in Goa, serves as a platform to promote cinematic projects of high potential.

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Produced by Kumar's newly established Jiboom Studios, the film will be shot in Konyak Naga and Hindi, further cementing its authenticity.