Zoya Akhtar Bats for Indie Cinema
Zoya Akhtar has never been one to shy away from backing stories that matter. The filmmaker, who previously championed projects like the award-winning documentary Turtle Walker, is now celebrating the buzz around Shape of Momo. Reports suggest Zoya recently expressed optimism about the growing global footprint of Indian independent cinema. According to industry insiders, she believes indie films are finally getting the international recognition they deserve — and that’s exactly why mainstream players are now paying attention.
Produced by Zoya alongside Rana Daggubati, Tribeny Rai’s debut Nepali-language feature had its world premiere at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival. And it didn’t just screen — it walked away with two major awards: the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award in the Vision Section. Not bad for a first film, hai na?
A Tale of Three Generations and Societal Pressures
The film centers on Bishnu, played by Gaumaya Gurung, a modern woman who leaves her life in Delhi to return to her family in Sikkim. What follows is a poignant exploration of three generations of women living under the weight of patriarchal traditions — even when the men are physically absent, their authority looms large. Bishnu’s struggle to fit back into a world of expectations is captured with remarkable tenderness.
The title itself is an allegory: Bishnu can’t make a perfectly shaped momo, and honestly, she doesn’t care. That small defiance speaks volumes about her refusal to conform. Critics have noted how the film uses everyday details — like the shape of dumplings — to unpack deep themes of class, conditioning, and the desire for independence. It’s a slice-of-life drama that never gets preachy but stays with you long after the credits roll.
One of the most talked-about subplots involves a working-class family living in the outhouse who is asked to leave. The tension between insider and outsider identities, especially in the North-East, adds another layer to the narrative. A break-in that remains unexplained leads to local cops rounding up men arbitrarily — a quiet commentary on rising suspicion and distrust in communities that once lived in harmony.
What Critics Are Saying About the Film
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have described Shape of Momo as less of a traditional story and more like flipping through someone’s personal diary. The lush landscapes of Sikkim are not just pretty backdrops — they echo the inner unrest of the women on screen. Gaumaya Gurung’s performance has been singled out for its silent intensity. One review noted that she allows the script to breathe, using body language and perception to convey Bishnu’s conflict without overselling the subtext.
Another critic pointed out how the film doesn’t romanticize the idyllic setting. Instead, it uses silence and natural sounds to voice an unrest that speaks to women everywhere — both within and outside the North-East. The mother and sister, conditioned by lifetimes of survival, become the enforcers of the very structures that oppress them, out of fear of societal judgment. It’s a powerful observation that has resonated with many.
With such strong word-of-mouth, Shape of Momo is poised to become yet another feather in Zoya Akhtar and Rana Daggubati’s caps. For those who love cinema that feels real and raw, this one’s definitely worth a watch.