Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s film production, Secrets of a Mountain Serpent, directed by Nidhi Saxena, is set to debut at the Venice Film Festival in 2025. This poetic film, situated in a Himalayan town during the 1990s, delves into themes of desire, mythology, and femininity. Notably, Saxena is the first Indian woman to receive the Biennale College Fund grant for this project.
The star couple’s film, produced under their Pushing Buttons Studios banner, is poised for its premiere at the prestigious festival. Nidhi Saxena, who made waves with her debut feature Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Indian woman to secure the Biennale College Fund grant for Secrets of a Mountain Serpent.
In a joint statement, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal expressed their enthusiasm for Saxena’s poetic vision, stating, “We were instantly captivated by Nidhi’s lyrical approach. This narrative, deeply rooted in myth, remains strikingly relevant to modern times. At PBS, we are committed to supporting storytellers who dare to be bold and innovative. Nidhi has created something truly unique, artistic, and heartfelt.” The story centers on Barkha, portrayed by Trimala Adhikari, a schoolteacher whose husband is stationed at the border, highlighting her intimate journey in a remote Himalayan town during the 1990s.
Amidst a backdrop where many men are absent and silence prevails, Barkha becomes intrigued by Manik Guho, played by Adil Hussain, a mysterious stranger who disrupts the delicate equilibrium of waiting, restraint, and myth. Saxena, who penned the screenplay herself, embraced this collaborative effort, emphasizing that the film focuses on women willing to risk everything to pursue their desires, unshackling themselves from societal moralities.
The director remarked, “I sought out like-minded collaborators, and this partnership feels like a harmonious convergence of ideas and emotions. It also signifies that we no longer need to rely on male voices to narrate our stories. Our own voice is powerful and distinctly feminine.” Secrets of a Mountain Serpent has recently finished principal photography and is currently undergoing post-production, with its world premiere scheduled for August 2025 at the Venice Film Festival.
