Indian Director Vishal Bhardwaj who is renowned for directing award-winning films such as Haider, Omkara and Maqbool has joined Samir Zaidi’s directorial debut short film “Two Sinners” as Executive Producer.
The film is directed by multi-disciplinary artist and published poet Samir Zaidi, who has worked closely with Bhardwaj on Apple’s Fursat and Netflix’s Khufiya. Produced by Shivam Gupta and Zaidi, “Two Sinners” is a powerful short story set in an Indian forest, focusing on Azhar, whose older brother orchestrates a scheme compelling him to execute the perpetrator responsible for their sister’s assault.
Vishal Bhardwaj, whose Shakespearean trilogy earned global acclaim, rarely takes on short films as an Executive Producer, making this collaboration with Zaidi notable.
“Two Sinners” features BAFTA Breakthrough Talent from India (2024), Shardul Bhardwaj. Having starred in globally acclaimed films Eeb Allay Ooo!, The Scavenger of Dreams and Kuttey, Shardul has delivered yet another intense and memorable performance.
“Two Sinners is a compelling and deeply personal film that reflects Samir’s unique voice and vision. I’ve had the privilege of working with Samir over the years and witnessing his growth as a filmmaker,” said Bhardwaj in a statement.
“His dedication to exploring complex human emotions and morally intricate narratives truly stands out. I am proud to support him in bringing this remarkable work to life and I am confident it will resonate with audiences around the world.”
“This film is drawn from a deeply personal space – it examines the cyclical nature of violence, where victims can become perpetrators and the questions of morality,” said Samir Zaidi.
“The film is shaped by a real event that compelled me to confront questions of justice, patriarchy and retribution. Through the film, I hope to provoke reflection on the fragile line between retribution and empathy, and the emotional toll such dilemmas take on the human psyche,” Zaidi further added.
Vipin Sharma (Hotel Mumbai, Taare Zameen Par), last seen as Alpha in Dev Patel’s Monkey Man is a Co-Producer on the film along with Probir Umesh Sabnis and Sohail Anjum as Executive Producers.
Two Sinners will be hitting film festivals soon, starting with the World Premiere at the New York Indian Film Festival taking place between 20 – 22 June 2025.
