Mirzapur Star Priyanshu Painyuli Set To Make Directorial Debut With Jaagar; Uttarakhand Government Extends Support
Set in the mystical mountains of Uttarakhand, Priyanshu's home state, the film is a heartfelt and culturally rich narrative rooted in tradition, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Having trained in filmmaking in Bangalore, Priyanshu has long nurtured a passion for storytelling. With Jaagar, he returns to the land that shaped him, crafting a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Plot of Jaagar
The film follows Deepti, a woman standing at the crossroads of marriage and self-realization. She travels to Uttarakhand to document the ancient ritual of Jaagar Puja. What begins as a filmmaker's attempt to capture a sacred tradition soon turns into a journey of spiritual awakening.
Through Deepti's lens, we meet Geeta, a local woman whose divine possessions during the ritual help her rise above the trauma of an abusive marriage. Over time, the energy of the land and its forgotten spiritual forces compel Deepti to confront her own identity and truth.
"Jaagar is a passion project in the truest sense—born out of love, faith, and relentless commitment," says Priyanshu. "It's even more special because it marks the first production from our own company, a dream Vandana and I built together. This isn't just my film—it belongs to all of us who poured our hearts into it. From Vandana to our families, and every single team member who believed in the story and spirit of Jaagar. This film is a shared dream, a collective heartbeat, and a testament to what's possible when you create with honesty and heart."
Support from the State
Adding to the film's significance, the Uttarakhand government has extended its full support, recognizing Jaagar's potential to spotlight the spiritual richness and breathtaking beauty of the state. With evocative cinematography by Hemant Kumar, the film showcases the lesser-seen landscapes of the Garhwal region, capturing the essence of the holy city and its enduring traditions.
The cast includes Vandana Joshi, Saarika Singh, Rishi Solanki, and Priyanshu Painyuli himself, along with several local actors from Uttarakhand.
'Uttarakhand is where I come from—its mountains, stories, and traditions live within me,' Priyanshu shares. "Jaagar is a film I've carried in my heart for years. I knew that if I ever directed a feature, it had to be something this personal and rooted. I'm excited, nervous, but mostly grateful to be able to tell this story.'
Jaagar is more than just a film—it's a reflection of a land, a culture, and the timeless journey of rediscovering the self.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
7 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Madhampatty Rangaraj's second wife Joy Crizildaa announces pregnancy just hours after marriage; flaunts baby bump
Actor and chef Madhampatty Rangaraj recently made the headlines after announcing his second marriage to stylist Joy Crizildaa. Now, the actor's wife shocks the internet as she breaks the news about being pregnant. Are Madhampatty Rangaraj and Joy Crizildaa expecting their first child? Taking to her official social media handles, Joy Crizildaa said, 'Baby loading 2025. We are pregnant. 6th month of pregnancy.' Sharing the happy news, the stylist posted a picture alongside her husband. Joy had recently made it official that she had married Rangaraj at a temple, with both of them appearing together. Interestingly, the actor-chef was once married and even has two kids from his first marriage. Madhampatty Rangaraj's first wife, Shruthi Rangaraj, is an advocate based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The lawyer was active on social media up until a few weeks ago, even posting pictures with her sons. While it is unclear whether Rangaraj has divorced his first wife, the lawyer still has pictures of him pinned on her Instagram handle. With the bio even reading, 'Madhampatty Rangaraj's wife,' an official reaction by her on the same hasn't been made. See pictures of Shruti Rangaraj here: Who is Madhampatty Rangaraj? For those unaware, Madhampatty Rangaraj is a popular actor and chef known to have appeared in a couple of movies. The chef began his career in the food business in 1999 and later moved to Bengaluru, where he opened a restaurant. Over the following years, he returned to his hometown, Madhampatty, where he started catering to film crews. As a caterer, the chef worked in more than 400 weddings, even providing food at Karthi 's wedding. Later on, Rangaraj made a name for himself, debuting as a lead actor in the romantic drama Mehandi Circus (2019). The film, written by Raju Murugan, is directed by the filmmaker's elder brother, Saravana Rajendran. With Mirzapur fame Shweta Tripathi making her debut in Tamil cinema, the film was a major success, both critically and commercially. Aside from appearing in the Keerthy Suresh starrer Penguin, Madhampatty Rangaraj has been the judge of the show Cooku with Comali for Season 5 and Season 6.
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Shriya Pilgaonkar unveils fiery first look as Rukmini in Netflix's ‘Mandala Murders'
Shriya Pilgaonkar has captivated audiences once again with the unveiling of her intriguing new role as Rukmini in Netflix India's latest crime-thriller series Mandala Murders. Taking to social media, Pilgaonkar shared the first look poster of her character, calling Rukmini 'beguiling, enchanting, full of fire.' The actress thanked director Gopi Puthran and showrunner Aditya Chopra for giving her the opportunity to break away from her previously grounded screen image. 'Too much fun and such a creatively fulfilling experience,' she wrote, hinting at the depth and mystique her character brings to the narrative. Though a cameo, Rukmini plays a pivotal role in Mandala Murders, which fuses mythology with a modern crime drama backdrop. Her character is deeply rooted in the fictional lore of the Aayast Yantra, a mythical device central to the show's plot. Set in the eerie, fictional town of Charandaspur, the series delves into secret societies and ancient rituals from the 1950s, where Rukmini's brief but significant presence adds a compelling layer of mysticism and intensity. Pilgaonkar's transformation for the role is a bold departure from her softer roles, such as Sweety in Mirzapur. With a background in classical theatre and accolades like the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Debut Actress (2013), she embraces the fiery, enigmatic essence of Rukmini, showcasing her dynamic range as a performer. Mandala Murders, streaming since July 25, stars Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta in lead roles, with an ensemble cast featuring Surveen Chawla, Manu Rishi, Raghubir Yadav, and others. Produced by YRF Entertainment, the series has quickly become a standout thriller, with Pilgaonkar's Rukmini leaving a lasting impact.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Priyanshu Painyuli : I've never seen my dad this worried before
As India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, and pays tribute to the heroes of the 1999 conflict, actor Priyanshu Painyuli talks about his father Retd. Colonel V.K. Painyuli, who was posted in Bangalore during the Kargil war. The actor mentions: 'My father had just finished his posting in May before being transferred to Bangalore. Back then, he was a Major and was connected to the development in Kargil and Siachen. While he was not posted in the war region, many of his course mates and fellow officers were posted out there. So when the war broke out, even though we were geographically away from it, emotionally we were right in the middle of it.' Kargil Vijay Diwas | Priyanshu Painyuli : I've never seen my dad this worried before Priyanshu remembers the sudden shift in energy in their home. 'The news was constantly on, phones never stopped ringing. I'd never seen my father like that — restless, alert, concerned. You could feel it in the air. As a child, I didn't understand everything, but I knew something serious was happening,' he recalls, adding, "Living in an army colony, the war didn't just play out on the TV — it arrived in the form of hushed conversations. There were updates about uncles losing limbs, kids' fathers gone missing in action. It became part of daily life, and somehow we had to adapt.' Even though his father wasn't directly in combat during Kargil, Priyanshu says he could see the weight it carried for him. 'Most of the officers were on standby. Leaves were cancelled, people were being called back, because the situation just kept escalating. At first, it seemed like a limited incursion — just one mountain to reclaim. But slowly, we all understood the intensity of what was happening.' Growing up mostly away from his father due to field postings, he learned early what sacrifice meant. 'He was stationed in some of the toughest areas — places where families weren't allowed. We'd only meet during the holidays. But you get used to it. That becomes your version of normal. You realize early that country comes first," shares Priyanshu, adding, "There's so much courage that comes not just from the soldiers, but from the wives, the children, the parents. You don't really question anything — you just know this is your reality.' As a child of an army officer, he says there were always questions from civilians — sometimes even criticism. 'I've heard people ask, 'Why do you guys get concessions — school fees, canteen items?' But people don't realize — we don't get time with our parents. Our fathers aren't around for birthdays, anniversaries. They're not doing it for money. The least the system can do is ensure the family is looked after. So the officer can do his job knowing his kids are okay.' Priyanshu's father retired as a Colonel, but never once pressured him to follow in his footsteps. 'My parents were incredibly open-minded. They always said, 'do what you're passionate about'. That's what they believe in. My father chose the army out of passion, and he wanted me to find mine,' says Priyanshu, adding, "I did serve as a sergeant in NCC, but eventually found my calling in acting. I've lived many lives on screen. For a while, I even wanted to be a pilot, then a cricketer, then a cop. Acting let me be all of that — and more. I get to step into other people's shoes, understand their lives, their struggles. That's what excites me.' Still, his most personal performance came when he played an army officer in Pippa, which is set during the 1971 war. 'That was a dream role. It wasn't just about the uniform — it was about getting the emotion, the mindset, the quiet dignity right. I wasn't nervous about critics; I was nervous about what my father and his group of retired officer friends would think. But they told me I got 100 out of 100. That meant everything to me. I've grown up around soldiers. I've seen their strength, their humility, their discipline. Even today, when I play a character in uniform, I remember those days. It's in my blood.'
