The Bird
A story of rebellion and tradition
A Vinay Shukla Film
Produced By Eternal Star Productions
Synopsis
The Bird – Ek Thi Chidiya
In the mystical village of Binola, a Bird morphs into a young girl named Ranbhi. She dares to dream of a love that transcends the shackles of custom. Binola’s women, upon reaching womanhood, must perform the Binai dance, a ritual that binds them to men who provide for their sustenance in exchange for physical intimacy.
Her fate takes a turn when Ballu, the affluent person, sets his eyes on during her debut performance. Bound by tradition, she is coerced to undergo the Sar-dhakai ritual, in which she is literally married to money. The rite marks her acceptance of a life dictated by societal norms.
As she grapples with the complexities of her relationship with Ballu, she discovers she is carrying his child, setting off a chain of events that test her spirit. Amidst her turmoil, she finds solace in the unexpected kindness of Jaswant, a compassionate architect whose friendship offers her a glimmer of hope.
Their friendship blossoms into a profound and unconditional love, leading Jaswant to defy conventions and marry her. However, their joy is short-lived as Jaswant’s family rejects her, setting the stage for a climax that explores the power of love, the weight of tradition, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Written & Directed by
Vinay Shukla
National Award-winning filmmaker Vinay Shukla is known for stories that explore the intersection of politics, emotion, and the human spirit.
His critically acclaimed film Godmother (1999) won six National Awards, including Best Actress for Shabana Azmi. A storyteller with a deep sensitivity to character and structure, he blends cinematic craft with social insight — always placing the inner journey at the heart of the narrative. The Bird Ek Thi Chidiya is his most personal film yet.
His other notable films credits as a writer include Virasat, Satyamev Jayate, Ram Jaane, and Mirch as a director.
The Passionate Producers
Behind The Bird
Kamna Pathak
Actor, Producer
A well-known actor in Indian television, film and theatre for the past 15 years in Indian and international productions like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon and Mango Dreams. She plays a key role in The Bird and was actively involved in the creative aspects of the production for The Bird.
Arvind Mandloi
Producer
He is a distinguished author of a series of thought-provoking and best-selling works like Jadunama: Javed Akhtar-ek Safar, Sahir Ki Shayarana Jadugiri, Srijan Ke Saat Dashak, Awaaz Do Hum Ek Hai & Khwaab Ke Gaon Mein. He is actively involved with “Roopankan” that develops the talent of underprivileged youth in Indore.
Rohan Sharma
Creative Producer
His professional journey has spanned leading companies like TCS, Accenture and Oracle Corporation. He is driven by a belief that technology, creativity, and social responsibility can work in tandem to create a better world. His creative flair is visible via compelling narratives for several podcast channels, film and web series.
Satyam Khandelwal
Producer
He is a remarkable blend of entrepreneurship with a steadfast commitment to social causes. With degrees in Mass Communication, Commerce, and Law he has a comprehensive understanding of the world around him and looks to bring about cultural and social change with content.
Supported by Legends
With the blessings of the Legends
The moral strength and quiet encouragement of these creative forces have helped shape the director’s artistic vision.
The Cast of The Bird
Pooja Pandey
Ranbhi
Known for her intense performances in Siya (2022) and Gutar Gu (2023) she is very popular across audiences and has Coat and Gutar Gu Season 2 along with The Bird Ek Thi Chidiya as her upcoming work in 2025
She has played a power packed role capturing the ethos of Ranbhi as she fights for love and a place in the world.
Anant Vijay Joshi
Jaswant
Recently, he starred in the acclaimed film 12th Fail and is a well known actor in web series and films. He has played the lead role in the ALTBalaji series Virgin Bhasskar and has had key roles in films like Cobalt Blue, Kathal and the series Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein on Netflix.
He has played the lead of a quietly defiant young man in The Bird Ek Thi Chidiya who dares to rebel against tradition for his love.
Rajesh Sharma
Petrol Pump Owner
Rajesh Sharma is a popular face across leading series and films. He portrays a role with negative shades in The Bird Ek Thi Chidiya.
Ila Arun
Pagli
Ila Arun is a well known singer actor known for her intense roles. She plays the role of a traumatised village elder in The Bird Ek Thi Chidiya.
DOP Sudheer Palsane ISC
The film’s visual style is evocative of a stylised western with the cinematography capturing enhances the story and themes.
He has worked on leading films like Baby, Naam Shabana, Ferrari Ki Sawari in the past.
The rural setting with its use of light, color, and composition conveys emotions and atmosphere.
Music & Sound
The Soul of The Bird
Music - Pankaj Dixit
Original Background Score Debarpito Saha
"Gumshuda" song is written, composed & sung by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Key Singers Sunidhi Chauhan and Rekha Bhardwaj
The music captures the ethos of the rural landscape and the background with its use of western instruments sound design enhance the emotional journey of the audience
Creative Team – The Bird
Hemanti Sarkar
One of India’s most respected film editors, she won the National Film Award for Best Editing with Son Rise (2019). Her feature film work includes Parineeta, Peepli [Live], English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi, Secret Superstar, Airlift, Stree and its sequel, and Laal Singh Chaddha.
Mandira Shukla
An acclaimed costume designer whose work spans some of Indian cinema’s most iconic films like Chak De! India, Fanaa, Agneepath, and the National Award-winning Godmother, among others. She brings authenticity, precision, and emotional depth to every costume she designs — whether rooted in realism or elevated for drama.
Udai Pratap Singh
A highly versatile and accomplished production designer and art director in Indian cinema.his designs have enriched films like Satyagraha, Jai Gangaajal, Toilet – Ek Prem Katha, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Neerali, Fraud Saiyaan, The Tashkent Files, The Kashmir Files, & The Vaccine War.
The Bird – Trailer
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