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Assamese film The Woodcutter premieres Its trailer at Cannes to highlight an environmental crisis
Mumbai: The trailer of the Assamese film “The Woodcutter” was unveiled at the Bharat Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival in the presence of Hollywood actress Judi Beecher, Therese Anselmsson, a producer from Sweeden, Maynard Kraak, a producer from South Africa and Raaj Raahi producer & distributor from USA, further highlighting the global significance of “The Woodcutter.”
Produced by duo Dr JV Manisha Bajaj and Tarsem Antil and directed by Prakash Deka, who belongs to a tribal community from the Northeastern part of India, The Woodcutter” has already garnered attention for its compelling narrative and powerful performances.
Selected as part of the NFDC Screenwriters Lab 2021, the film has since received three official selections in international film festivals, further solidifying its status as a must-watch cinematic experience.
Set against the backdrop of a changing world, “The Woodcutter” delves into the heart of tradition versus modernity, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of music. Bonojit, a forty-year-old folk musician, grapples with the challenges of preserving his craft in the face of societal judgment and personal turmoil. His daughter, Munu, becomes a poignant symbol of the generational divide as she confronts her father’s profession and its impact on their family.
Dr JV Manisha Bajaj expresses her excitement for the film’s Cannes debut, stating, “We are thrilled to share the trailer for ‘The Woodcutter’ with audiences at Cannes. This film is a testament to the rich tapestry of Indian storytelling and the universal themes it explores.”
Led by Baharul Islam, the cast delivers stellar performances that breathe life into the film’s poignant story. Renowned talents from Assam, including Sharmistha Chkarvoty, Pratibha Choudhary, and Prajalika, showcase their depth and versatility, enriching the narrative with authenticity and emotion.
The musical of the film is composed by national award winner Tarali Sarma, whose soul-stirring melodies resonate throughout the story, enhancing its emotional impact. Sound design, crafted by national award winners Amrit Pritam and Debit Shanghai, further elevates the immersive experience, transporting audiences into the heart of Bonojit’s world.
Tarsem Antil adds, “Cannes is the perfect platform to showcase the talent and dedication that went into creating this film. We hope that audiences worldwide will be captivated by the story of Bonojit and his journey to find harmony amidst chaos.”
With its blend of captivating visuals, emotive storytelling, and unforgettable performances, “The Woodcutter” promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences when it hits theatres.
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Swiggy sees record orders during India vs New Zealand T20 final
Chicken biryani tops match-day menu as fans order 7,500 times per minute at peak.
MUMBAI: India’s T20 final didn’t just break stumps, it broke Swiggy’s delivery records, proving cricket fans celebrate victories with plates, not just flags. Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, reported a sharp spike in food orders during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. On 8 March 2026, overall orders rose 23.2 per cent year-on-year compared with the same date in 2025, driven by fans turning living rooms into mini stadiums complete with match-day feasts.
Key highlights from the evening:
- Orders during peak match hours (7–10 pm) were 2.1 times higher than pre-match levels.
- The highest order rate hit 7,500 orders per minute at 19:45.
- Chicken biryani reigned supreme as the most-ordered dish, followed by masala dosa, chicken fried rice, garlic breadsticks and paneer butter masala.
While metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad led volumes, the cricketing fever spread nationwide. Among emerging cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Surat and Rajkot recorded the strongest order growth. Smaller markets including Shillong, Agartala and Port Blair also showed significant appetite, underlining the expanding footprint of quick-commerce food delivery across India.
The surge reflects a growing trend of pairing major sporting events with doorstep delivery, turning big matches into shared, convenient celebrations. In a night where every boundary mattered, Swiggy proved the real MVP might just be the delivery partner who kept the snacks and the vibes flowing without missing a single wicket.
