Indian feature film Pyre has achieved another milestone by winning the Grand Jury Best Feature Film Award, also known as the ‘German Star of India Award’, at the 2025 Indian Film Festival Stuttgart.
This accolade marks the film’s fifth international honour in just one week, solidifying its position as one of the most celebrated Indian films on the festival circuit this year.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vinod Kapri, Pyre is enjoying a remarkable festival run. The winning streak began with its Spanish premiere on 19 July at the 22nd Asian Summer Film Festival in Vic, Spain, where it received the Best Film Audience Award and Jury Special Mention for Best Film.
Only three days later, the film premiered in the UK at the London Indian Film Festival and its Birmingham edition, winning the Best Film Audience Award at both screenings.
The momentum continued on July 26 with its German premiere at the 22nd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart, where it clinched the prestigious Grand Jury prize.
The film is now scheduled to travel to Australia for its Melbourne premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August.
A Story of Love and Resilience
Pyre follows the moving story of Padam and Tulsi, an elderly couple living in a remote Himalayan village abandoned by migrating families.
Left to wonder who will perform their last rites, their lives are transformed when they receive a long-awaited letter from their estranged son after three decades of silence.
The film stands out for its use of non-professional actors, including 80-year-old Padam Singh and 70-year-old Heera Devi, whose authentic performances bring depth to Kapri’s portrayal of rural isolation, cultural loss, and enduring love.
The project boasts an impressive international team. Academy Award-winning composer Mychael Danna, in collaboration with Amritha Vaz, created the evocative score.
German editor Patricia Rommel partnered with Subhajit Singha on the edit, while legendary lyricist Gulzar penned the songs. Kapri produced the film alongside Sakshi Joshi.
Pyre had its world premiere at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights International Film Festival in November 2024, where it won the Best Film Audience Choice Award as the only Indian entry in the Official Competition category.
Its Indian premiere took place as the Opening Film at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival, earning a Jury Special Mention in the Asian Cinema Competition.
The film drew attention during its Belgian premiere at the 12th MOOOV Film Festival and its North American premiere at the 25th New York Indian Film Festival, where both lead actors earned nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress.
With its Stuttgart triumph and growing list of accolades, Pyre continues to capture international audiences. As it heads to Melbourne, the film stands as a testament to Indian independent cinema’s ability to tell deeply human stories that resonate across cultures.
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