Amidst the mist and magic of Kolkata’s cinematic spirit, ‘Dhundh (The Fog)’, directed by Yogesh Vats, left audiences spellbound at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF 2025). The film was screened on November 12, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Radha Studio, under the prestigious section “Unheard India: Rare Voices”.
The screening saw a house full of engaged viewers who were deeply moved by the film’s slow-burn narrative, poetic rhythm, and minimalist visual language. Set in the rustic backdrop of Haryana, ‘Dhundh’ explores the unspoken pain of rural life with remarkable emotional restraint.
Cinephiles and critics in Kolkata applauded the film for its layered storytelling, subtle symbolism, and meditative pace. Many stayed back for post-screening discussions, describing ‘Dhundh (The Fog)’ as “a film that doesn’t speak — it breathes.”
The Story Behind the Mist
‘Dhundh (The Fog)’ tells the poignant story of a humble farmer, his wife, and their 20-year-old daughter whose lives revolve around farming, livestock, and the rhythms of rural labor. Their peaceful existence shatters when the daughter becomes pregnant out of wedlock — triggering shame, silence, and the crushing weight of social boundaries.
The film’s restrained tone and visual realism make it a haunting exploration of morality, identity, and the unspoken sorrows of India’s hinterlands.
Director Yogesh Vats’s Vision
Director Yogesh Vats, who has earlier made ‘Hawayein (The Winds)’, ‘Gadera (The Stream)’, and ‘Barefeet Impression’, shared his emotions after the screening: “It’s an honour to screen ‘Dhundh’ in Kolkata — a city that truly understands the soul of cinema. The audience’s response was heartfelt and genuine. It means a lot to me.”
A graduate in Film Direction and Screenplay Writing from the State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Haryana, Yogesh Vats draws inspiration from observational cinema. His work often examines “nothingness” — moments of stillness, labor, and human introspection that reveal the truth of existence.
A Director’s Bold Words on Indian Cinema
In a candid remark, Yogesh Vats said, “Many film festivals across India showcase propaganda films — for instance, The Kashmir Files. But Bengal is different. Here, real cinema is respected. Showing my film on the land of Satyajit Ray is an honour I will always cherish.”
He further added, “In Haryana, what we call ‘culture’ is often limited to agriculture. Art and culture should never be mixed with politics. Cinema must remain pure — a reflection of human truth, not propaganda.”
A Celebration of Honest Cinema
Lead actress Akanksha Bhardwaj, who plays the central role, shared her gratitude on Instagram: “Our film ‘Dhundh (The Fog)’ has been officially selected at KIFF in the ‘Unheard India: Rare Voices’ section. It’s a story of silence and hope, told through layers of mist and emotion. I’m deeply honored to have portrayed this role.”
The next screening of ‘Dhundh (The Fog)’ will be held on November 13 at 10:30 AM at Prachi Cinema, followed by an interactive session with director Yogesh Vats, where he will discuss the film’s creative journey and visual philosophy.
With ‘Dhundh (The Fog)’, Yogesh Vats reaffirms his belief that cinema is not about spectacle — it’s about silence, soul, and truth.
