Shape of Momo, the critically-acclaimed debut feature by filmmaker Tribeny Rai, is set for its theatrical release on May 29 in India and Nepal via Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media.

Cannes-winner Payal Kapadia and filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti have boarded as executive producers for the film, which is set in a Himalayan village in Sikkim and traces the lives of women across generations within a single family, shaped by emotional inheritances, silences, and everyday negotiations.

It also reflects the complexity of one’s relationship with home as both a place of comfort and something that can, at times, hold one back.

The film features an ensemble cast of late Bhanu Maya Rai, Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, Rahul Mukhia and Shyamashree Sherpa.

Shape of Momo has screened at the Busan International Film Festival as well as San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Rai praised Spirit Media and Kapadia for championing her film.

“Shape of Momo is my debut feature, told from a personal lens and shaped by the women and experiences around me. As someone who observes closely, I always felt my first film had to come from that space.

“To now have the film release in theatres in India feels like a significant milestone for our team. We make films with the hope of experiencing them on the big screen, but we’re also aware of the challenges independent films like ours face, so to see it come together like this feels surreal but also rewarding.”

Kapadia called Shape of Momo a deeply moving coming-of-age story of a young woman conflicted by her yearning for a home.

“The film feels refreshingly contemporary and Tribeny’s stance is strong and uncompromising yet by the end very touching as well. I am so thrilled that this layered film – after a commendable festival journey around the world- will now find its way to audiences across India. I really hope more people come and see this wonderful movie,” said Kapadia, who is heading the Cannes Critics Week jury this year.

Produced by Dalley Khorsani Production in co-production with Kathkala Films, “Shape of Momo” explores womanhood and relationships, with a crew led largely by women.

Daggubati, whose banner had also released Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner “All We Imagine As Light” in theatres in India, said “Shape of Momo” is a quietly powerful film that gently unfolds and stays with the audience.

“Tribeny brings a very personal lens to the film. She has a refreshing distinct voice as a filmmaker in the way she observes her characters and their world. At Spirit, we’re drawn to stories that are deeply rooted in their world and told with emotional honesty, and ‘Shape of Momo’ really reflects that,” he said.

Executive producer Zoya Akhtar said the film is a deeply personal peek into the lives of three generation of Sikkimese women.

“With rare emotional truth, Tribeny Rai’s voice as a filmmaker is confident and clear. We love watching stories from across India, stories that bring distinct, lived-in perspectives and expand the world of Indian cinema. We are so excited that the audience that may never have visited parts of our diverse and lush country, including places like Sikkim, will now get to experience a beautiful and authentic story from there in the cinema,” she said.

Kagti, who was born in Assam, also praised Rai for making the film with sensitivity, warmth and emotional insight. She pointed out that many interesting new voices are emerging from north east.

“There’s an intimacy to the storytelling, but also an expansiveness in the way it engages with family, intergenerational bonds, womanhood, quiet rebellion, and identity. The film arrives at a moment when some of the most exciting independent cinema in India is emerging from newer voices and regions, especially from the Northeast.

“Films like Boong, Raptures and Village Rockstars have opened up exciting new creative possibilities within Indian independent cinema, and it’s wonderful to see Shape of Momo become part of that journey.”

Published – May 12, 2026 10:51 am IST

New Delhi:

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia scripted history after her film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film was a strong contender for the top award, Palme d’Or, at Cannes, which was awarded to Sean Baker’s comedy-drama Anora.

‘PM Congratulates Payal Kapadia’ 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ms Kapadia for the feat and said, “India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine as Light’. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India.”

India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine as Light’. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in… pic.twitter.com/aMJbsbmNoE

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2024

“This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers,” he posted on X.

Many congratulations to FTII alumnus Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her film All We Imagine as Light. This makes it the first Grand Prix win for the country and a nomination in the Palme d’Or after 30 years.

Bharat’s creative… pic.twitter.com/Ad915hXMZ0

— Anurag Thakur (मोदी का परिवार) (@ianuragthakur) May 26, 2024

“Many congratulations to FTII alumnus Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her film All We Imagine as Light. This makes it the first Grand Prix win for the country and a nomination in the Palme d’Or after 30 years,” Union Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said.

“Bharat’s creative economy is indeed shining with 3 films winning awards this year at Cannes,” he added.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Ms Kapadia and said, “Indian stars shining bright at the 77th Cannes Film Festival! Congratulations to Payal Kapadia and the entire team of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ for clinching the prestigious Grand Prix award.”

Indian stars shining bright at the 77th Cannes Film Festival!

Congratulations to Payal Kapadia and the entire team of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ for clinching the prestigious Grand Prix award.

Kudos to Anasuya Sengupta for winning the Best Actress award under the Un Certain… pic.twitter.com/5lRPgdeezI

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 26, 2024

“Kudos to Anasuya Sengupta for winning the Best Actress award under the Un Certain Regard section for her performance in ‘The Shameless’,” Mr Gandhi.

‘All We Imagine As Light Gets Good Reviews’ 

Ms Kapadia’s directorial debut received good reviews in the media and scripted history after it became the first Indian film in 30 years and the first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in the main competition.

An alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Ms Kapadia is best known for her acclaimed documentary “A Night of Knowing Nothing”, which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight side-bar where it won the Oeil d’or (Golden Eye) award.

Praise From The Film Industry

She received praise from the film fraternity in India. Actor Mohanlal called it “A momentous occasion for Indian Cinema as Payal Kapadia, Kani Kusruthi, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and the talented team behind “All We Imagine as Light” bask in glory!”

“Immense love and gratitude to Anasuya Sengupta and the illustrious Santosh Sivan for their remarkable,” he added.

Actor Mammootty said, “Making Indian Cinema Proud. What an amazing achievement. Congrats to Payal Kapadia, Kani Kusruthi, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and the entire team of All We Imagine as Light.”

Film director, lyricist and writer Varun Grover said, “Unbelievable day for Indian cinema. An independent filmmaker – from much hated FTII – whose first film was a poetic love letter to the idea of dissent in a democracy, wins the second highest honour at the biggest film festival in the world.”

“Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light wins Grand Prix. Magical to see four Indian women on stage at Canne,” Mr Grover said.