Starring powerhouse performers Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangda Satarupa, Main Actor Nahin Hoon, the latest film by acclaimed director Aditya Kripalani, is all set for its world premiere at the prestigious Cinequest Film Festival, 2025 in San Jose, California.
The film, which is an intimate yet profound exploration of human connection, vulnerability, and the power of art has been shot LIVE across two countries, India and Germany, where the director, Aditya, led both the teams to shoot simultaneously — something that has never been done before.
Kripalani explained in Instagram, “Shot live between two countries, with two terrific actors. @nawazuddin._siddiqui and @chitrangadasatarupa One crew is in Mumbai, and the other is in Frankfurt. Matching sunlight, time, and continuity while I directed using two iPads, one showing me the frame in India, the other the frame in Frankfurt. Quite an experience.”
On 8 Feb, the director released a 7-minute scene from the film, which has taken Instagram by storm and has been widely shared by industry stalwarts.
Check it out!
A Unique Story That Transcends Borders
The film follows Mouni (Chitrangada Satarupa), a puritanical actor who despises Mumbai’s commercialized film industry and dreams of performing in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Her path crosses with Adnan Baig (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a 55-year-old retired banker in Frankfurt who stumbles into an online audition, seeking a sense of purpose after retirement.
What begins as an unconventional casting process evolves into an intense, day-long acting class over a video call, bridging two different worlds. But acting is psychology, and as Mouni teaches Adnan, both must confront their deepest vulnerabilities, fears, and dreams.
Nawazuddin & Chitrangda— Performances to Watch
The film presents an exciting challenge for both actors. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, celebrated for his nuanced performances, plays a banker with no acting experience who stumbles through his first-ever audition. Watching him embody the hesitations, insecurities, and raw self-discovery of an amateur will be incredible.
Equally compelling is Chitrangda Satarupa, who brings depth and intensity to Mouni’s character—a woman fiercely protective of her craft yet unexpectedly drawn into this deeply personal exchange. Her commanding yet vulnerable presence adds to the film’s emotional gravity.
World Premiere at Cinequest Film Festival
Main Actor Nahin Hoon will have its World Premiere at the prestigious Cinequest Film Festival, a festival known for celebrating bold and boundary-pushing cinema. The film’s first look and teaser are very intriguing, and we, and the film fans, look forward to this uniquely immersive storytelling experience.
With two powerhouse performers, a deeply emotional narrative, and a fresh take on the transformative nature of art by the director, Main Actor Nahin Hoon, is set to leave an unforgettable mark.
Stay tuned for more updates as the film takes its first step onto the global stage.
