July 21,2025:
Veteran actress and filmmaker Soni Razdan’s upcoming directorial venture Difficult Daughters has been officially selected for the prestigious Asian Project Market (APM) at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), South Korea. The announcement marks a significant achievement for Indian independent cinema on a global stage.
The film is an adaptation of Manju Kapur’s award-winning novel Difficult Daughters, set against the backdrop of India’s Partition in 1947. The story follows Virmati, a young woman caught between traditional expectations and her pursuit of love and education. The narrative explores intergenerational tensions, feminist identity, and socio-political upheavals through a deeply personal lens.
The Asian Project Market, scheduled to take place during BIFF in October 2025, serves as a co-production and investment platform connecting Asian filmmakers with global producers, financiers, and distributors. Razdan’s project is one of 30 selected from across the continent, highlighting the increasing global interest in South Asian stories.
Speaking about the selection, Razdan said, “I’m thrilled and honoured that Difficult Daughters has found a place at APM. This is a story that’s close to my heart—one about women navigating freedom, tradition, and selfhood in a divided India. I’m looking forward to the conversations and collaborations this platform will bring.”
This is Razdan’s return to direction after her 2003 film Nazar. Known for her nuanced performances and strong storytelling sensibilities, Razdan aims to bring both historical authenticity and emotional depth to the adaptation. The film is currently in pre-production and seeking international co-producers for development.
The Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia’s leading cinematic events and has previously served as a launchpad for Indian films such as The Lunchbox and Court, which went on to receive global recognition. APM plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of such projects by enabling access to international markets.
Industry experts believe the selection of Difficult Daughters reflects a growing trend of global platforms embracing women-centric narratives from India. The film is expected to draw attention for its exploration of gender, identity, and nationhood during a transformative period in Indian history.
With Difficult Daughters, Razdan joins a growing list of Indian filmmakers using international forums to tell powerful, culturally rooted stories that resonate beyond borders.
