Jamshedpur: In a historic moment for tribal and regional cinema, acclaimed filmmaker Krishna Soren announced his upcoming film ‘Sundi: Robin Hood of Santhal’ at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. The announcement was met with widespread appreciation, especially among the Santhal community and cinema lovers eager for authentic indigenous storytelling on the global stage.
The bi-lingual feature film, to be made in Santhali and Hindi, will go into production later this year. The story is based on a real-life figure from the Santhal community, who, like the legendary Robin Hood, stood up against systemic injustice and became a beacon of hope for the poor and marginalized. “It is a story of courage, community, and sacrifice,” said Soren. “The character of Sundi symbolizes the spirit of resistance, unity, and generosity that defines our tribal heritage. This film is my tribute to the Santhal people.”
The screenplay has been co-written by Krishna Soren and Ravi Raj Murmu, who will also serve as co-director. Soren himself will direct the film. Backing the project are three production houses — Dalma Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd., Safed Hathi Motion Pictures, and Sawnta Studios LLP — all of whom have pledged their commitment to showcasing powerful and underrepresented stories from India’s diverse communities.
While the announcement of the film itself was a landmark moment, Soren used the Cannes platform to make a broader appeal. He called upon the Government of Jharkhand to formulate and implement dedicated film production grants and incentives for films made in tribal languages like Santhali. “We need institutional support to preserve, protect, and promote our indigenous languages and stories,” he emphasized. “State support could make Santhali cinema thrive and bring it to national and international platforms.”
Krishna Soren’s journey from a student of Mass Communication at Karim City College, Jamshedpur, to an internationally recognized filmmaker is itself a tale of determination and vision. After graduating in 2007, he pursued cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), one of the country’s premier film schools. His early work in Marathi cinema gained critical acclaim, paving the way for his transition into Hindi and regional cinema.
With ‘Sundi: Robin Hood of Santhal,’ Soren aims not only to tell a powerful story but also to initiate a movement for tribal representation in mainstream cinema. The film is expected to bridge the gap between local folklore and global audiences, marking a new chapter for indigenous voices in Indian filmmaking.
