Rising Indian auteur Natesh Hegde‘s sophomore feature “Tiger’s Pond” (Vagachipani) is poised to make history as the first Kannada-language film to screen at the Berlin Film Festival‘s Forum strand.
The dark crime drama, which has secured international sales representation from French outfit Loco Films, arrives with strong backing from celebrated filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
The filmmakers have unveiled a teaser.
Set in the mystical village of Vaghachipani, where a tiger god holds sway over a fallen world, the film follows a ruthless businessman’s attempt to manipulate local elections, only to face unexpected resistance from an outcast villager. At its heart lies Pathi, a mute maid whose presence becomes central to the narrative’s exploration of power, faith, and caste dynamics in Southern India.
Speaking about the film’s genesis, Hegde reveals that Pathi’s character was the primary creative catalyst. “She is the only central human figure, around her all the form of lust of power is operating,” Hegde tells Variety. “As we can see the citizens of the world are decreased to mere numbers. So the story of the film is most relevant.”
Hegde approaches his audience with a unique collaborative vision. “I firmly believe from the beginning of my filmmaking practice that me and the audience we both together create the story of the film,” he says. “I offer a sensory experience to the audience and this film can operate from the depth of human emotion. The experience of witnessing the story can be cathartic.”
The film’s universal appeal lies in its fundamental human elements, despite its specific setting. “It’s a human drama with the elements of a crime film. For me the film is a fable,” Hegde notes. “The reflection on the human condition for sure resonates with the global audience.”
Shot in striking 16mm, which captures what the synopsis describes as “rapturous textures and treacherous depths,” the film features an ensemble cast including Dileesh Pothan, Achyut Kumar, Natesh Hegde, Gopal Hegde and Sumitra. The project represents a collaboration between Kashyap, Singapore-based producer Jeremy Chua (known for Cannes winner “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell”), and producer Ranjan Singh (Cannes selection “Kennedy”).
“It is such an honest and thrilling story,” says Kashyap, whose producing credits include the internationally acclaimed “The Lunchbox.” “When I got a chance to onboard its journey, it was a very simple choice. Natesh’s storytelling is so effortless and fluid, that it just transports you into the world where it’s happening.”
For Hegde, whose debut feature “Pedro” earned acclaim at major festivals including Busan and London, the Berlin premiere represents a deeply personal milestone. “It’s an emotional moment for me and my village, who made the film possible,” the filmmaker says.
“Tiger’s Pond” began its journey at Busan’s Asian Project Market in 2022, following the success of “Pedro,” which earned Hegde best director at Pingyao and best film at the Nantes Three Continents Festival. The project received crucial early support from actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty (“Kantara”), without whom, Hegde notes, “this film wouldn’t have gone to the floors.”
Co-producer Singh says: “We are so happy to join him on ‘Vagachipani’s showcasing journey as it begins from Berlinale. We are confident that the film will resonate with audiences across the world.”
The film is set to make its world premiere at Berlin on Feb. 15, marking a significant moment for Kannada-language cinema on the global stage.
The first-look teaser, unfolding at a gas station, promises a powder keg of tension waiting to explode beneath the serene beauty of village life.
Watch the teaser here: