Latest news with #TheSecondWind
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
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.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: At Cannes 2025, The Second Wind shines as India's only women-led film
Among the Indian films that were staged at the ongoing Cannes International Film festival, 'The Second Wind' remains the only women-driven project this year. Conceptualised, directed, and produced by debutant Indira Baikerikar, it's a film starring real-life athletes telling their own stories of struggles and spoke to Baikerikar, who was in Cannes, soaking in the beauty of the French Reviera and hoping to make her country proud by presenting a film which is a reflection of India's independent, passionate, resilient Has the film been screened at the festival? A. The film 'The Second Wind' has been appreciated by many buyers. It was screened in the business section.Q. Can you tell me what the reaction was, or anything else related to the screening?A. The film was very well appreciated. The concept - a story of four women - written, directed, and acted by women coming from India for the first time, took buyers across the US, Canada, and even the Asian market by surprise. They have responded very positively to the film and are eager to distribute it across their countries through various channels, which will be announced soon after its praised the cinematography and the overall look of the film. They described it as a hybrid, part biopic, part fictionalised and appreciated the unique approach. The music was also well-received. Overall, they found the film refreshing, like a breath of fresh air, a healing cinematic experience. Filmmaker, writer and actor Indira Baikerikar at Cannes 2025 (Photo: India Today) advertisementQ. 'The Second Wind' seems like a passion project. What made you say this is the story you were going to pursue as part of your debut film?A. I truly believe 'The Second Wind' is my passion project, which is why I wanted it to be my debut film. Your first impression is your last impression. After this, two more projects are lined up—one of which is almost ready and should be completed within a month. That film is also a personal and passionate project. As for the third, it's still in thing I firmly believe is that whatever you create with passion, whether the world accepts it or not, your heart will always speak the truth. If you follow trends blindly, like people do on Instagram, you'll be left behind. I believe in leading my own life, not walking in anyone else's footsteps. That's how I made this passion film.Q. This is a film about women, driven by women. How important is it for you that it gets its due on a global stage like Cannes?A. Whether it's Cannes, Toronto, London, Berlin, or IFFI, I believe women deserve to be seen and celebrated everywhere. Through this film, I wanted to represent Indian women and show that they are capable of doing everything. Internationally, Indian women are often portrayed as victims or just running behind bushes singing for me, there's another side—the urban Indian woman, who leads a balanced life, managing both her personal and professional worlds with grace. Indian women are incredible multitaskers. They have their own passions and dreams. This film is for those women to inspire them to realise that it's never too late to start again and find their second wind.Q. How did the Cannes entry happen for you? Who thought about it?A. Cannes happened naturally, and I'm truly grateful. Like most filmmakers, I've always had a vision of reaching Cannes. With my debut film, I've made it. I'm thankful to the Indian Motion Pictures Association and all my mentors, especially my filmmaking mentors. It just happened, and it's one of the best things that could have still a long journey ahead, and I'm excited to learn and witness the work of the world's greatest filmmakers. The film speaks for itself; it knew where it needed to go. The Second Wind needed a stage like Cannes, an audience that could truly appreciate it and show that a simple, beautiful story can become a powerful How are you planning to take this story ahead?A. The story has already progressed. Ultimately, it should reach as many people as possible. My goal is for it to reach every household, society, and country, because women everywhere share the same emotions, values, and multitasking nature. I truly believe men should also watch and support screening the film, I received heartwarming feedback. One person said, 'I'm going to speak to my wife and help her relive her life.' Another filmmaker shared, 'I connect with what my mother and sister feel.' Men are really connecting with the film, seeing their mothers, sisters, and partners in it. Out of 10 men, at least four or five spoke about how deeply the film resonated with them. That's a wonderful and meaningful compliment. Q. Is it difficult to find takers in the market for films solely led by women?A. It's not difficult at all. That's one of the reasons I am at Cannes. There were no women-centric movies coming from India, so that was one of the key motivations. This film is women-centric, directed, produced, and written by a woman, with an all-female cast. The real athletes are the actors. This is the main reason we are at the first time, it's a hybrid of fiction and real-life stories. People have told me, 'You're really brave to do that,' but I did it because the originality and simplicity were compelling. For me, a film isn't something glamourised on screen; it's something that makes you feel like you're relating to someone sitting beside you. That's what cinema means to me.Q. How is 'The Second Wind' different from other women-led narratives?What sets 'The Second Wind' apart is that it's based on real-life stories of athletes, and the actual athletes are playing their roles, not actors. It was an effort, but it worked out really well. People didn't realise till the end that they were not I'm showing urban city life, which is rarely seen in women-centric movies. Most films focus on rural women, and while I respect them as the backbone of society, this part hasn't been touched. It's a hybrid of fiction and real-life stories, which makes it a unique and groundbreaking Do you think Indian women are more resilient and capable of making more balanced choices in life?A. Indian women are more resilient and capable of making balanced choices in life. We've seen our mothers and grandmothers lead lives where they take care of their families while working outside. In my house, all my aunts are working women, and my mom is a doctor. We never felt neglected. Taking care of a house is also a 24/7 profession, and Indian women are truly balanced. We are blessed to have that kind of culture in our made a powerful statement on the global stage as she attended the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on Friday, May 16, with the cast of 'The Second Wind'. Joining her were lead cast members Nandinee Khosla and Mallika Baikerikar, forming a proud all-women team that attracted attention not just for their elegant presence, but for the story they brought with them, a story rooted in strength, survival, and spirit.'The Second Wind' is a film shaped by lived experiences and emotional resilience. At its core is the story of Mallika Baikerikar, a national swimmer whose journey of healing and rediscovery after a life-changing event forms the emotional heartbeat of the Baikerikar drew from this deeply personal journey to craft a narrative that resonates universally. The film also features the stories of other extraordinary women, like Mayura Shivalkar, a cancer survivor and marathon runner, whose lives add authenticity and emotional depth to the film.
News18
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Indira Baikerikar's The Second Wind To Premiere At Cannes 2025
Last Updated: Indira Baikerikar took the inspiration for her film from her daughter Mallika's journey to recovery after a life-altering event. The much-anticipated 78th Cannes Film Festival is set to take place from May 13 to 24 this year. This prestigious event aims to encourage collaboration between countries to produce groundbreaking films. This year, a number of Indian movies will be screened at the festival, taking the country's cinematic offerings to a global audience. Filmmaker Indira Baikerikar's project The Second Wind is set to share the spotlight with other Indian films at the event. Indira Baikerikar took the inspiration for her film, The Second Wind, from her daughter Mallika, a national level swimmer. The film is based on Mallika's journey to recovery after a life-altering event. The movie showcases strength, resilience, and perseverance and promotes women empowerment. Apart from telling the life-changing story of her daughter, Indira also highlights the stories of other powerful women who beat all the odds and found their strength in life. Some of these incredible women include Mayura Shivalkar, who is a cancer survivor and a marathon runner and Nandinee Khosla, an actress who helps and supports cancer patients. Blending documentary and fiction together, the film offers the audience a unique interplay between strength and hope in the lives of these women. Indira started her career in Mumbai as a fashion designer. Later, she followed her passion and entered into the film industry. Her films often mirror her journey as she discovers herself and starts afresh. Along with The Second Wind, the Cannes Film Festival will also screen other Indian movies this year, including Anupam Kher's Tanvi the Great and Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound. Tanvi the Great highlights the story of a young girl who enjoys spending time in nature, but soon grows more focused about wanting to join the army. This film offers an interesting tale of determination and transformation. On the other hand, Neeraj Ghaywan is making a comeback to Cannes with his film Homebound. While the makers have not yet revealed the details about the film, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa will be seen in lead with Janhvi Kapoor making a special appearance. First Published:
