Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Immersive Competition in Cannes to showcase a South Asian female superhero

The Cannes Film Festival opens today on Tuesday.

Immersive Competition in Cannes to showcase a South Asian female superhero

A superhero film at the Cannes Film Festival? It is not what you think.

Maya: The Birth of a Superhero, a staunchly feminist playable artwork with a pronounced South Asian accent, is a 30-minute virtual reality (VR) piece. It is in contention for the Best Immersive Work prize in a competition introduced by the festival this year.


The Immersive Competition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival (May 14 to 25) "aims to spotlight the next generation of international artists who are redefining storytelling and inventing new narrative-driven experiences that move beyond the traditional two-dimensional cinema screen."

Maya: The Birth of a Superhero, created by UK-based interdisciplinary artist-activist Poulomi Basu, does that and more. It tells the story of an ordinary 21st-century girl who, as her sexuality awakens, transforms into a female superhero powered by the process of menstruation.

The protagonist is faced with the challenge of overcoming her own shame, fear, and society's restrictive practices to find her inner strength and her true superpower.

"Maya: The Birth of a Superhero decolonises the superhero convention, and represents a South Asian character with power and agency," she said.

Basu directed the project with longtime collaborator C.J. Clarke, who is a photographer and filmmaker, and wrote it with him and actor-writer Manjeet Mann.

"She uses her South Asian futurism, wisdoms, and philosophies to heal the societies here. Maya is above all a story of her journey to empowerment," she said.

Basu was inspired to make Maya: The Birth of a Superhero after the law-changing impact of her previous art project 'Blood Speaks' about menstrual exile and violence against women in South Asia.

Described by the Guardian as "part superhero satire, part psychological thriller", Maya, which world premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, Austin, US, in March, employs an extreme story to illustrate the prevalence of misogyny and gender oppression in all societies.

About what she expects from the work's European premiere at Cannes, Basu said: "It's really visibility for the work and for the taboo subjects that it portrays."

"The project is also aimed at reminding women that they are magical powerful beings capable of reclaiming their narratives and their bodies to achieve true liberation, justice, and joy. The festival platform is important to highlight that intersectional feminism is for everyone, not just for women," she added.

"It is critical," Basu continued, "to show this work in a Western space because Maya is about a South Asian girl in London battling patriarchy in the West."

Growing up in Kolkata, Basu had first-hand brushes with patriarchy within her home. Raised by her mother, she found early inspiration in the city's rich cinematic history but, following the untimely death of her father, she left home to lead a life that would allow her the choices that earlier generations of women in the family did not have.

The character of Maya is voiced by Indian-British actor Charithra Chandran, who played Edwina Sharma in the second season of the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton". Indira Varma (who debuted in Mira Nair's Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love and was more recently seen in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One) has voiced an illusory past avatar of Maya.

Basu revealed that the immersive film will have a worldwide release via Meta Oculus Quest on May 30.

"People with Oculus can watch it for free for a year all over the world," she said. It can be experienced with Oculus Quest headsets 2, 3 and Pro.

"Outside of this, we will do more film festivals and are open to displays and installations in art spaces," she added.

The Cannes Film Festival opens on Tuesday.

More For You

Sydney Sweeney

Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026

Getty Images

Sydney Sweeney offered £45m to star in big-budget Bollywood film

Highlights:

  • Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
  • The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
  • Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
  • The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema

A record-breaking offer

Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.

The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eurovision 2026

Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement

Instagram/eurovision

Eurovision in turmoil as Spain Ireland and Netherlands threaten withdrawal over Gaza conflict

Highlights:

  • Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
  • The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
  • The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.

The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.

Eurovision 2026 Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision

Keep ReadingShow less
Unni Mukundan and Narendra Modi

Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy

Instagram/iamunnimukundan

Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in biopic, ‘Maa Vande’, about the leader's bond with late mother

Highlights:

  • Malayalam star Unni Mukundan announced as lead in Narendra Modi biopic titled Maa Vande.
  • The film will focus on the Prime Minister's early life and bond with his mother.
  • A pan-India release is planned for 2026 with a major technical crew attached.
  • Mukundan is currently riding high on the success of his brutal action film Marco.

Malayalam cinema actor Unni Mukundan is stepping into the biggest role of his career. He has been officially cast as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming biographical film Maa Vande. The project, announced on the PM's 75th birthday, promises a fresh look at Modi's formative years. Instead of another political portrait, the filmmakers are zeroing in on his personal journey and the profound influence of his mother.

Unni Mukundan and Narendra Modi Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy Instagram/iamunnimukundan

Keep ReadingShow less
Bobby deol and Aryan Khan talent

Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan has fearless spark and rare talent as The Bastards of Bollywood gears up for Netflix release

Instagram/iambobbydeol/redchilliesent

Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan’s approach proves Shah Rukh Khan’s son has rare natural talent

Highlights:

  • Bobby Deol reveals he was impressed by Aryan Khan's acting skills during the making of the new Netflix series.
  • The actor describes Shah Rukh Khan's son as a fearless and uniquely talented filmmaker.
  • Deol admits he felt protective and fatherly towards the young director on set.
  • 'TheBa***ds Of Bollywood' is set to premiere on Netflix on September 18.

Bobby Deol has heaped praise on Aryan Khan, calling him a talented actor who could have easily chosen to be in front of the camera. The veteran star, who features in the newcomer’s directorial debut 'The Ba***ds Of Bollywood', said the show’s teaser confirmed his belief that Shah Rukh Khan’s son has a natural screen presence. Deol also opened up about the young director’s meticulous and passionate approach to filmmaking.

Bobby deol and Aryan Khan talent Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan has fearless spark and rare talent as The Bastards of Bollywood gears up for Netflix release Instagram/iambobbydeol/redchilliesent

Keep ReadingShow less
Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness

Getty Images

Malaika Arora turns lifelong criticism into strength saying being called "too bold" is now the crown she proudly wears​

Highlights:

  • The star revealed she was constantly judged for her career and clothing choices.
  • Malaika said she felt free when she stopped explaining herself to others.
  • She now sees confidence as moving forward with grace despite self-doubt.
  • The actor and model insists the only narrative that matters is her own.

Malaika Arora has defiantly addressed the lifetime of criticism she has faced for her personal and professional choices. The actor and model, known for her impeccable fitness and fashion sense, said being labelled “too bold” is something she now wears as a crown. In a new interview, she opened up about her journey to unshakeable self-acceptance and shutting out the noise.

Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less