Pankaj Kumar, the celebrated cinematographer behind Tumbbad and Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, is all set to make his directorial debut with Konyak, a tribal action drama set in Northeast India. The film will be produced by Kumar’s production company, Jiboom Studios, and marks an exciting new chapter in his career.
Konyak was selected for the prestigious NFDC Screenwriters Lab, a key initiative that supports screenwriters in developing their work and pitching it to producers. The film will also be presented at Film Bazaar, a trade expo for South Asian films held alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
The screenplay, written by Uddhav Ghosh, who was part of the NFDC Screenwriters Lab 2024, will feature multiple languages including Konyak Naga, Hindi, and English. The story centers on Thungpang, a warrior guided by prophetic visions, who must protect his community amidst a deadly conflict between headhunting tribes. Themes of betrayal and honour will be explored as Thungpang confronts his former friend, Sangba. The project draws inspiration from Ghosh’s travels through Nagaland.
In addition to his directorial role, Kumar will also produce the film, aiming to create an immersive and visually compelling experience that emphasizes heritage and endurance. Speaking with Variety, Kumar explained his vision for Konyak, stating that he hopes the film will “live and breathe on the big screen,” with every frame telling a story of the untamed spirit of the land and its people.
Currently, Kumar is also directing Khauff, a horror series for Amazon Prime Video, and working on its post-production. Konyak marks a significant milestone in his career, combining his storytelling talents with his cinematic expertise to create a film that promises to be both visually stunning and deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Northeast India.