About the Film
Synopsis
In serene Arkee, Officer Priyanka Negi's investigation into social activist Shaila Awasthi's disappearance sparks a national uproar — but as tensions rise, one question lingers: is the true enemy within or beyond the village walls?
Director’s Notes
Gender inequalities and violence against women are habitually perpetuated by us in our daily interactions. Yet we do not discuss these issues objectively, often losing sight of them in the noise of emotionally charged debates about religious sentiments. Growing up in India, I experienced this firsthand. While I was allowed to leave the house freely, my sisters were required to follow a strict, though unspoken, protocol regarding when, where, and how they could go out. Witnessing how my sisters were treated so differently in many aspects of life, I realized how deeply misogynistic norms had infiltrated my world. 'Soch: A Perception' is not just a film; it is a reflection of the silent struggles endured by countless women. The film explores how misogyny is often cloaked in the guise of religious identity politics. Through intricate storytelling, we reveal how cultural and religious narratives are manipulated to justify the subjugation of women. This intersection of misogyny and religious emotionalization is not only pervasive but profoundly damaging, perpetuating cycles of discrimination and inequality while ignoring the pain of others. My film seeks to provide a platform for various voices, without aligning with any particular party or dismissing the pain of those silenced in the clamor.
Watch Trailer
Cast & Crew
Cast
- — as Priyanka Negi
- — as Bashar
- — as Shaila Awasthi
- — as Nadeem
- — as Sumitra
- — as Shanta Awasthi
- — as Officer Sharma
Crew
- — Director / Writer / Editor / Visual Effects
- — Writer / Screenplay
- — Producer
- — Producer
- — Producer
- — Producer
Film Stills
Awards & Nominations
Director's Vision Award
Indian Film Festival Stuttgart — 2025
Winner: Director's Vision Award at Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025.
Best Debut Director
Ayodhya International Film Festival — 2025
Winner of Best Debut Director at the Ayodhya International Film Festival 2024.
Winner: Best Actor (Female)
Florida South Asian Film Festival — 2024
Winner: Best Actor (Female) at Florida South Asian Film Festival 2024.
Winner: Best Feature Film
Florida South Asian Film Festival — 2024
Winner: Best Feature Film at Florida South Asian Film Festival 2024.
Winner: Best Feature Film
Chauri Chaura International Film Festival — 2025
Winner: Best Feature Film at Chauri Chaura International Film Festival 2025.
Winner: Best Actor (Female)
Chauri Chaura International Film Festival — 2025
Winner: Best Actor (Female) at Chauri Chaura International Film Festival 2025.
Official Selection: Best Actress (Female)
India International Film Festival of Boston — 2024
Official Selection for Best Actress (Female) at the India International Film Festival of Boston 2024.
Official Selection
Chennai International Film Festival — 2024
Official selection at Chennai International Film Festival 2024.
Official Selection
Chicago South Asian Film Festival — 2024
Selected for Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2024.
Official Selection
New Jersey Indian and International Film Festival — 2024
Selected for New Jersey Indian and International Film Festival 2024.
Official Selection
Jagran Film Festival — 2025
Official Selection at Jagran Film Festival 2025.
Official Selection
Bollywood Festival Norway — 2025
Official Selection at Bollywood Festival Norway 2025, recognizing excellence in South Asian cinema.