Vinod Kapri’s latest film, Pyre, tells an extraordinary story of love, resilience, and quiet struggle set against the hauntingly beautiful yet desolate landscape of the Himalayas. Inspired by a real elderly couple he encountered in a remote Uttarakhand village, Pyre unveils the life of two octogenarians who refuse to leave their homes despite the village’s gradual abandonment. Kapri’s film shines a light on those forgotten in Uttarakhand’s “ghost villages,” with a story that’s as much a testament to the couple’s love as it is a tribute to the fading traditions of rural India.
This deeply moving film is set for its world premiere at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Europe on November 19, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the international stage.
A Film Inspired by True Encounters in a “Ghosted” Village
The journey of Pyre began in 2017 when Vinod Kapri was exploring the rural mountains of Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. Here, he met an elderly couple who had chosen to remain in their village despite the exodus of other residents to urban areas. Their love and bond left a profound impact on Kapri. They lived simply, content with each other and the land around them, waiting for the end in a place they called home. Captivated by their unique story, Kapri was determined to bring this love story to life on the big screen, using it to represent many other untold stories in abandoned villages.
The village itself reflects the broader migration issue faced by many mountain communities in India, where young people move to cities for better opportunities, leaving their villages to slowly empty out. Through Pyre, Kapri doesn’t just tell a story of two people, but a tale of love, loss, and resilience that resonates universally.
From Concept to Creation: An Unconventional Love Story
Pyre is different from traditional films. Kapri had initially thought of casting accomplished actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah for the lead roles. However, both actors, and later Kapri himself, felt that famous faces might detract from the raw authenticity of the story. With this in mind, Kapri spent three months scouting over two dozen villages in the Himalayas until he discovered Padam Singh and Tulsi Devi, two elderly locals from the village of Berinag in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, who were perfect for the roles.
Neither Padam nor Tulsi had any prior experience with cameras or acting. Padam, a retired army man, now leads a simple life as a farmer, while Tulsi tends to buffaloes and manages household chores. Kapri enlisted the help of Anup Trivedi from the National School of Drama to conduct a two-month acting workshop for the pair, who gradually grew comfortable in front of the camera. This authenticity, Kapri believes, is what gives Pyre its heart.
The Creation of a Cinematic Masterpiece
The production process of Pyre was equally challenging and rewarding. Kapri wanted each frame to reflect the couple’s reality—their daily routines, their resilience, and their undying bond. Every dialogue was carefully refined, rewritten, and rehearsed. The natural backdrop of the Himalayas became a third character in the film, with cinematography that captures the rugged beauty and isolation of Uttarakhand’s ghost villages.
Vinod Kapri’s vision for Pyre went beyond merely telling a story; he wanted to create an emotional experience for the viewers. To enhance this, he turned to Oscar-winning composer Michael Danna for the background score. Danna, known for his work on Life of Pi, agreed to collaborate after being moved by the film’s visuals and story. His music brings a haunting, soul-stirring dimension to the film, blending seamlessly with the Himalayan landscape and the quiet resilience of the characters.
Kapri also collaborated with acclaimed editor Patricia Rommel, known for her Oscar-winning work on The Life of Others. Her editing style, described as “writing with visuals,” complements Kapri’s vision. Rommel’s meticulous approach allowed the story to flow naturally, capturing the slow rhythm of life in a Himalayan village and the emotional weight carried by the elderly couple.
Gulzar’s Contribution: A Touch of Poetic Legacy
Legendary lyricist and poet Gulzar, moved by the film’s simplicity and authenticity, contributed lyrics for a song in Pyre. In a heartfelt gesture, Gulzar refused payment for his work, stating that the film reminded him of the tradition of meaningful Indian cinema, akin to the works of Satyajit Ray. For Kapri, Gulzar’s involvement brought poetic depth and a sense of heritage to the project, adding yet another layer to this already extraordinary cinematic piece.
Bringing Pyre to the Global Stage
Pyre has already garnered international attention, marking it as one of India’s standout entries in independent cinema. After the world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Pyre will continue to screen at various international festivals. Kapri aims to connect with audiences worldwide, sharing the tale of an elderly couple bound by love, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.
While the film is still months away from reaching Indian theaters, Kapri’s intention is to present it to Indian audiences after its international circuit. For now, audiences across Europe and beyond will get to witness the hauntingly beautiful tale of Pyre before it eventually makes its way home to Indian screens.
A Remarkable Feat of Independent Cinema
Creating Pyre was no easy feat for Vinod Kapri. With no financial backing from studios, he and his wife, Sakshi Joshi, committed their resources to bring this story to life. Sakshi, also the director of Bhagirathi Films, shared her faith in Vinod’s ability to create impactful stories that reflect real human experiences. Together, they embarked on a journey to make a meaningful, independent film that bridges the gap between traditional and modern storytelling.
Kapri’s dedication to bringing an “untouched story” to the screen shows his commitment to authentic storytelling. Pyre exemplifies the spirit of indie cinema, where creativity, determination, and a passion for storytelling take precedence over commercial interests. By choosing non-professional actors, shooting on location, and crafting an authentic narrative, Kapri’s film honors the legacy of Indian independent cinema.
In the words of Ashok Pandey, co-producer and long-time collaborator, Pyre is like a “beautiful love letter written from earth to the sky.” It’s a film that captures the essence of a vanishing way of life and the deep emotional connections that persist, even in isolation.
