‘September 21’, a remarkable effort by a 22-year-old director
The teaser of the much-awaited film ‘September 21’, made simultaneously in Kannada and Hindi, was recently released and has sparked fresh curiosity among audiences. Directed by 22-year-old debut filmmaker Karen Kshiti Suvarna, the movie delicately and effectively brings the serious subject of Alzheimer’s disease (memory loss) to the screen.
A story centered on memory loss – While Alzheimer’s is often discussed in society, this film portrays, in a very realistic manner, the inner struggles of those affected by the disease and the people who care for them day and night. The teaser does more than just show visuals—it silently makes viewers feel the pain of fading memories. It promises not just a film, but an emotional journey. Praveen Singh Sisodia plays a man who is gradually losing his sense of identity due to memory loss, while Priyanka Upendra delivers a powerful performance as his caregiver. This is said to be one of the most restrained and mature performances of her career. The characters are portrayed with authenticity, without unnecessary dramatization.
Young director Karen Kshiti Suvarna’s filmmaking style stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth, avoiding over-the-top elements and focusing on the soul of the story. Sharing her vision, she said, “My aim was for the audience to directly experience the silence and emotional weight that families of Alzheimer’s patients go through while watching my film.” The film also features a strong supporting cast including veteran actress Zarina Wahab, Amit Behl, Ajit Shidhaye, Sachin Patekar, and Ricky Rudra. Their presence adds depth and richness to the narrative, with each character thoughtfully crafted to support the story.
Appreciation at IFFI Film Festival – The film is produced jointly by Humara Movie (owned by Preeti Ali, wife of renowned Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali), Visica Films, and FMD Productions, with Films Max as co-producer. The screenplay is written by Raj Shekhar, with music composed by Vinay Chandra. To give the project an international touch, foreign actor Frederic De Vos has joined as a co-producer. The film has already received appreciation at the 56th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in the Work-in-Progress category.
Releasing in May – With the aim of creating awareness and encouraging conversations about Alzheimer’s in society, ‘September 21’ is set to hit theatres in May 2026. Blending art with social concern, the film has generated significant expectations not only among cinema lovers but also among the general public.
