29-05-2025
Belagavi women feature in film screened at Cannes film festival
Two women achievers from Belagavi have been featured in the film The Second Wind, which was screened at the high-profile Cannes film festival in France.
The 78th edition of the internationally renowned cinema event featured the film starring Mayura Shivalkar, a breast cancer survivor, marathoner, and athlete from Belagavi, and actor Shrusti Patil.
The film by Indira Baikerikar is inspired by the real-life experience of her daughter Mallika, who is a national-level swimmer. What began as one young woman's recovery story has grown into a cinematic tribute to the strength of women who refuse to give up.
Ms. Shivalkar's inclusion in the film is both emotional and impactful. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her early thirties, she transformed her fight into purpose — running marathons, raising awareness, and becoming a symbol of hope for many. Her story blends seamlessly into The Second Wind, which weaves documentary with fiction to highlight extraordinary women who've faced extreme adversity with unshakable resolve.
Ms. Patil appears in a significant negative role, adding further regional representation to this international project.
Shooting for The Second Wind took place across locations in Mumbai, Kolhapur, and prominently in Belagavi, including the KLE swimming pool, Camp area, and Khanapur Road, grounding the film in both urban and local landscapes.
Alongside Mayura, the film features actor Nandinee Khosla, who supports and works with cancer patients, further enriching the film's message of survival and solidarity.
The other cinematic contributions to Cannes from India include Tanvi the Great and Homebound.
