Renowned actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher announced his next directorial venture ‘The Return’, an Australia-India co-production, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa.
The project comes to light as Anupam Kher Studios wraps production on ‘Tanvi The Great’, directed by Kher, which is scheduled for a global release in late 2025.
“The Return” will be produced in partnership with Australian film company Temple and based at Disney Studios in Sydney. The production company plans to shoot more than 90% of the film in Australia and will cast an Australian actor in the lead role, using Australian talent across multiple departments. Plot details are being kept under wraps at the moment.
Kher, whose career spanned more than 540 films and 100 plays over 35 years, has worked with directors including Ang Lee, David O. Russell and Woody Allen. His international credits include “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Hotel Mumbai” and the series “New Amsterdam.” He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The project will benefit from the recently concluded co-production agreement between Australia and India.
“I have had a deep love for Australia since I first filmed there in 1998. Since then I have performed my play and been part of the AACTA (Australian Academy of Film and Television Arts) international jury with Russell Crowe. Now that I have… “There is a co-production agreement, it didn’t make sense for me to release my next feature film as a director in Australia.”
The announcement comes as Australia serves as IFFI’s focus country. Australian Consul General in Mumbai, Paul Murphy, endorsed the collaboration, saying: “Films are a powerful way to build real understanding between countries, both for audiences and creative industries. Australian filmmakers are more interested than ever in collaborating with their Indian counterparts. The future is bright, with Indian cinema gaining popularity in Australia and new opportunities for financing through our co-production agreement. We welcome production plans in Australia from someone of Anupam Kher’s stature and look forward to welcoming him to Australia as the film takes shape.
Herman D’Souza, CEO of Anupam Kher Studios, underscored the company’s global focus: “Building on the success of our latest release, ‘The Signature’, and in the creative journey behind ‘Tanvi The Great’, telling compelling stories through innovative and imaginative characters.” Directed cinema is exactly what audiences around the world are looking for.
“Having a global creative force like Anupam Kher setting his film in Australia is a huge boost to the Australia-India film ties and will further strengthen the relationship,” noted Temple’s Anupam Sharma, who will co-produce the film.