Qutub Shahi splendour to shine at Cannes Film Festival

Hyderabad’s Qutb Shahi legacy is set to receive global recognition as filmmaker and theater reenactor Mohammad Ali Baig brings the history of the Deccan to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with his debut feature film. Chand Tara.

According to a press release, the film has been selected for trailer screening at the internationally renowned festival on May 18.

Produced by Kadir Ali Baig Theater Foundation, Chand Tara It is based on the legendary story of the 17th century courtesan Taramati and Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah. The film marks a historic moment for Hyderabad and Telangana, as the French Riviera will echo with the poems of Quli Qutub Shah, including the famous Piya Baaj Piyaala.

Baig, who has previously garnered international acclaim for his heritage plays staged at the Edinburgh Festival and Oxford University, has once again brought the magnificence of the Deccan to the world stage.

Describing the film as “a tribute to womanhood”, Padma Shri award winner Baig said the story was inspired by Taramati’s life and the historical works of theater icon Kadir Ali Baig.

The movie features star cast and crew. While veteran actors Anupam Kher and Mohan Agashe have played important roles, renowned music composer Karthik Ilaiyaraaja has composed the music. Well-known singers Lucky Ali and Vasundhara Das have lent their voices to the project.

Ranjana Srivastava plays the role of Taramati, while Mohammad Ali Baig plays Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah. Hyderabad-based artists Rashmi Seth, SA Majeed and Masood Akhtar are also playing important roles in the historical drama. The film’s costumes were designed by famous designer Vinita Pittie.

The film also received recognition from the National Film Development Corporation and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for its “artistic feel, poetic and lyrical narrative along with engaging performances and screenplay”.