Mumbai: Star Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol’s upcoming film “Bun Tikki”, is all set to make its world premiere at the prestigious 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California on January 5, 2025.

Directed by director Faraz Arif Ansari, the coming-of-age drama follows a seven-year-old boy named Sanu and his single father Siddhant as they navigate family dynamics and identity.

The film, which also stars Nushrat Bharucha and Rohan Singh, is a heart-warming story of family, love and identity. Ansari said, “This prestigious festival has always been a beacon for independent filmmakers and adventurous storytelling, and I am very excited that our film is part of such an unprecedented series.

Bun Tikki is my love letter to the world—to every child, every parent and everyone who believes in the transformative power of love, empathy and kindness. The director hopes it will spark conversations that will break down barriers, bridge differences and be a reminder of the kinder, happier world that all are capable of creating.

“My heartfelt thanks to the entire team of Palm Springs International Film Festival for giving Ban Tikki a platform to reach a global audience. I’m so proud of what we’ve created and I can’t wait to share it with the world. We always want to create cinema that transcends boundaries and inspires us to imagine a brighter, better and more inclusive tomorrow.”

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Marijke D’Souza and Manish Malhotra, it is the second global festival for the Jio Studios-Stage5 production partnership, after the premiere of Saali Mohabbat at the ongoing IFFI 2024.

Stage5 Productions is the brainchild of renowned designer and visionary Manish Malhotra.

Producer Manish Malhotra said: “As a producer, it is an honor to contribute to a project that challenges conventions, tells an authentic story and connects with audiences on a universal scale. I’m incredibly proud of Faraz for bringing this vision to life and I can’t wait to see how the world embraces this heartfelt film. My deepest gratitude to the festival for supporting this free cinema and to the world who will soon experience the magic of Ban Tikki.

Jyoti Deshpande, President, Media and Entertainment, RIL, said, “Supporting Ban Tikki is not just an endorsement of its artistic merit, but a celebration of the courage to share stories that challenge and inspire.

“Bun Tikki” follows the journey of seven-year-old Sanu and her single father, Siddhant. Shanu grapples with self-discovery amidst social challenges, while Siddhant grapples with grief and social pressures while trying to understand his child as a single parent.