Spying Stars: A Cinematic Voyage Through Consciousness, Technology, and Spirit
Vimukthi Jayasundara, Nila Madhab Panda, and Indira Tiwari Reflect on the film’s journey
22 November 2025: At the 56th International Film Festival of India, the press conference for ‘Spying Stars’ unveiled a cinematic journey that navigates the delicate balance between human consciousness, spirituality, and a digitally driven reality. Directed by Vimukthi Jayasundara, produced by Nila Madhab Panda, starring Indira Tiwari in the lead, the film explores how human presence and environment intertwine to create a story both intimate and expansive.
Opening the session, Vimukthi Jayasundara reflected on the film’s message, emphasizing how human beings navigate an increasingly machine-dominated world while holding on to consciousness, connection, and spirituality. “It was important to make a film about the human spirit within a digital world,” he said. On an interesting note, the director and producer also added that they first met as jury members at IFFI, a connection that has now blossomed into this cinematic collaboration.
Nila Madhab Panda shared the challenges of creating a Hindi film that converges technology and spirituality. “Vimukthi Jayasundara narrated the story in a single line, and I wondered, can this really be made? Today, by grace, we are witnessing it on screen,” he said, praising the delicate balance of science and human essence in the narrative.
Indira Tiwari shared her immersive experience playing Anandi, a scientist whose journey on Hanuman Island traverses through quarantine, mystery, and human connection. “This is not just a script,” she said. “The theme is raw and intense, and our work demanded presence and awareness.”
Vimukthi Jayasundara described the film as a meditation on presence, perception, and the human journey through extraordinary and transformative experiences. The environment, rendered in all its striking beauty, emerges as a character in its own, shaping the story organically. Nila Madhab Panda added, “The film weaves together the ecological chain, the environment, technology, and spirituality, creating a narrative that resonates on multiple levels.”
The team discussed the film’s premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and the international response. Vimukthi Jayasundara explained that the location where Hanuman Island was shot, was chosen for its magical and historic resonance, while Nila Madhab Panda recalled feeling transported to another world upon arrival. Indira Tiwari added that working under these conditions was challenging but immensely rewarding, highlighting the unpredictability and spontaneity that real locations bring to a film. As the discussion drew to a close, the filmmakers reflected on the delicate interplay of place, emotion, and experience that defines ‘Spying Stars’.
About the Film
France, India, Sri Lanka | 2025 | English and Sinhala |100 mins
Scientist Anandi visits Hanuman Island to perform the last rites ritual for her father. She is immediately placed in quarantine in a remote hotel due to a pandemic caused by a machine-dominant world. When a mysterious star starts following her, she escapes and seeks refuge with a mother and her transgender daughter.
Cast & Crew
Vimukti Jayasundara – Director
Nila Madhab Panda – Producer
Indira Tiwari – Actor
