Qutub Shahi splendour to shine at Cannes Film Festival

Hyderabad’s Qutub Shahi heritage is set to gain global recognition as filmmaker and theatre revivalist Mohammad Ali Baig takes the Deccan’s history to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with his debut feature film, Chand Tara.

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

Produced by the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, Chand Tara is based on the legendary tale of 17th century courtesan Taramati and Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah. The film marks a historic moment for Hyderabad and Telangana as the French Riviera will resonate with the poetry of Quli Qutub Shah, including the famed Piya Baaj Piyaala.

Baig, who had earlier earned international acclaim for staging heritage plays at the Edinburgh Festival and Oxford University, has once again brought the grandeur of the Deccan to the world stage.

Describing the film as ”an ode to womanhood”, Baig, a Padma Shri awardee, said the story draws inspiration from the life of Taramati and the historical works of theatre icon Qadir Ali Baig.

The film features a stellar cast and crew. Veteran actors Anupam Kher and Mohan Agashe play key roles, while noted music composer Karthik Ilaiyaraaja has composed the music. Renowned singers Lucky Ali and Vasundhara Das have lent their voices to the project.

Ranjana Srivastava essays the role of Taramati, while Mohammad Ali Baig portrays Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah. Hyderabad-based artistes Rashmi Seth, S.A. Majeed and Masood Akhtar also play important roles in the historical drama. The film’s costumes have been designed by noted designer Vinita Pittie.

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