‘Mirzapur’ star, Priyanshu Painyuli debuts as a director with ‘Jaagar’!

Actor Priyanshu Painyuli, widely appreciated for his performances in Mirzapur, Extraction, and
Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, is now stepping behind the camera for the first time with his directorial
debut, feature film – Jaagar. 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 always 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. The film follows Deepti, a woman at the edge of marriage and self-realization, who travels to Uttarakhand to film the ancient ritual of Jaagar Puja. What begins as a filmmaker’s attempt to document a sacred tradition soon transforms into a spiritual awakening.

Through Deepti’s lens, we encounter Geeta, a local woman whose divine possessions during the ritual empower her to rise above the trauma of an abusive marriage. In time, the energy of the land
and its forgotten forces compel Deepti to confront her own identity and truth.

“Jaagar is a passion project in the truest sense, a film born out of love, faith, and relentless commitment. 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 to every single member of our team 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.”

Adding to the significance of the project, the Uttarakhand government has extended its full support to Jaagar, recognising the film’s potential to highlight the spiritual richness and visual beauty of the state. With its compelling storytelling and evocative cinematography by Hemant Kumar, the film shines a spotlight on the lesser-seen yet breathtaking 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 some local actors from Uttarakhand.

“Uttarakhand is where I come from — its mountains, stories, and traditions live within me. Jaagar is
a film I’ve carried in my heart for years. I knew that if I ever made the move to directing a feature, it
had to be with something this personal and rooted. I’m excited, nervous, but mostly grateful to be
able to tell this story,” Priyanshu adds.

Jaagar is not just a film; it is a reflection of a land, a culture, and a journey of rediscovering the self.

By Keerti Kadam