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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.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
