Debut Feature Secures May 29 Release Amidst Industry Support
Shape of Momo, the first feature film from director Tribeny Rai, is slated for a theatrical debut on May 29, 2026. The film, set in a Himalayan village in Sikkim, chronicles the lives of women across different generations of a family. Its journey to the screen has been bolstered by Spirit Media, the production house led by Rana Daggubati, which is actively backing independent cinema.
The film's narrative reportedly explores themes of womanhood, emotional inheritance, silence, and identity, while also touching on the complex relationship with home as both a sanctuary and a constraint. Rai's directorial approach is characterized as having a "personal lens" and a "refreshing distinct voice," focusing on keen observation of characters and their world.
Festival Circuit Precedes Local Release
Before its intended theatrical release, Shape of Momo has already traversed international festival circuits. It premiered at notable events such as the Busan International Film Festival and the San Sebastián International Film Festival. This exposure has garnered what is described as "widespread critical acclaim," preparing the film for a broader audience connection in India.
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The film's production has also seen the involvement of established filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Payal Kapadia as executive producers. Their participation underscores a collaborative effort within the independent film space.
Supporting Cast and Wider Vision
The cast of Shape of Momo includes the late actor Bhanu Maya Rai, alongside Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, Rahul Mukhia, and Shyamashree Sherpa. Rai expressed gratitude for the support from Spirit Media, describing it as a crucial partner in providing a platform for "creator-driven cinema." She also highlighted the significance of Payal Kapadia's involvement, recognizing her role in creating opportunities for Indian filmmakers, particularly women.
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"We make films with the hope of experiencing them on the big screen, but we’re also aware of the challenges independent films like ours face, so to see it come together like this feels surreal but also rewarding." - Makers' Note
"At Spirit, we’re drawn to stories that are deeply rooted in their world and told with emotional honesty, and Shape of Momo really reflects that." - Rana Daggubati
The initiative by Spirit Media is noted as part of a broader commitment to showcasing diverse stories from across India, aiming to expand the landscape of Indian cinema with distinct, lived-in perspectives. The support from executive producers like Zoya Akhtar also anticipates reaching audiences who might not otherwise experience stories from regions like Sikkim.
