National Award-winning filmmaker had just Rs 7,000 in his bank account after selling his car and land. His small film starring his 80-year-old army veteran is winning hearts amid Ramayana's massive success

While Ranbir Kapoor's big-budget Ramayana Part 1 continues to take over the box office by storm, a small independent film is quietly finding its audience. Made after years of financial struggles, Pyre has reportedly collected over Rs 2.7 crore at the box office despite facing competition from the much bigger release. Its journey to the big screen is as remarkable as the story it tells.

The film is directed by National Award winning filmmaker Vinod Kapri and is made after almost eight years of struggle. The director allegedly sold his car and a plot of land to arrange funds for the project. When the film was ready for release, he had only Rs 7,000 in his bank account. The video is shared on his Instagram page.

How a real-life encounter inspired Pyre

Pyre came about after an encounter Vinod Kapri had in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, in 2018. He came across an old couple who had about 40 goats. Every time someone helped him take his wife to the hospital, the husband would give away one goat.


The man's answer stuck with Kapri when he asked what would happen if they ran out of goats. According to reports, he promised to leave with his spouse before the goats ran out. This dialog served as the film's poignant beginning.




Set in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Pyre follows an ageing couple, Padam Singh and Tulsi, who live in the mountains while waiting for their children, who have moved away in search of better opportunities.

The film features two local residents who had never acted in front of a camera before. Kapri cast his 80-year-old uncle, Padam Singh Kapri, a retired Army Havaldar, in the lead role. Heera Devi, a 70-year-old Kumaoni folk performer, plays Tulsi.

Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah were initially considered for the roles in 2020. However, the plans changed after Naseeruddin Shah contracted Covid. He later suggested that Kapri consider local performers to bring greater authenticity to the characters.

Shooting began in 2022 in Kapri's village. The production was far from easy. Most of the crew travelled from Kolkata, while the nearest hospital was around six hours away. Leopard sightings were also a concern, forcing crew members to travel in groups. Despite the difficult conditions, the team continued working on modest remuneration because they believed in the project.

From international film festivals to OTT rejection: Journey of Pyre

Before its theatrical release, Pyre had already travelled extensively across the international film festival circuit. It premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2024 and won the POFF Best Film Audience Award.

The film has reportedly received 18 international awards, including 15 Best Film honours, and screened at more than a dozen festivals across countries such as Brazil, Iran, Spain, Canada and the US.

However, its festival recognition did not translate into an OTT deal. The film was reportedly rejected by streaming platforms despite its performance at international festivals.

Its theatrical release eventually became possible with the help of executive producer Arendra Rai Choudhury, who connected Kapri with London-based businessman Suresh Joshi. Joshi provided financial support, and Cinepolis came on board for the theatrical release.

Pyre's shows restored after Ramayana clash

Released on around 400 screens, Pyre initially received a positive response from audiences. However, its screen count reportedly fell to fewer than 100 after Ramayana arrived in theatres.

Kapri objected to the decision, alleging that several theatres had removed his film's shows despite houseful screenings. He took to social media to raise the issue and seek fair treatment for smaller films. The All India Cine Workers Association also supported his appeal and wrote to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, requesting intervention.

The filmmaker has since confirmed that the film's screenings have been restored across the country. In an Instagram video, he announced that Pyre had secured shows in different parts of India, with more screenings being added.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Kapri admitted that, "Yes, I mean, the momentum broke a little and it impacted me. I had to come forward in my earlier video to take up the issue; I can’t say much. This is how things work here, maybe."

Despite the setbacks, Pyre continues to find viewers through word of mouth. Stay tuned to see how it performs at the box office.