Amazon MGM Studios’ Hindi action drama ‘Phoolan’ received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film was screened in the Special Presentation section at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, in front of an audience of more than 2,000 people.

According to an Amazon MGM Studios press release today, the film is directed and written by International Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta. It stars Sneha Kumari as Phoolan Devi, alongside Anurag Thakur, Vikram Pratap Singh, Aakash Dahiya, Prateek Pachouri and Dev Dutt Budholiya in key roles.

Based on Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, ‘I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen’, published by Editions Robert Laffont, the film focuses on a defining period of her life. The story is centred around a 48-hour siege involving an armed group of 2,000 men.

Speaking about the premiere, Richie Mehta said that he wanted to present a specific chapter of Phoolan Devi’s life while focusing on the person behind the public image. He said the film explores themes such as resilience, dignity and finding one’s own voice.

Shilangi Mukherji, Director and Head of SVOD Business, Prime Video, India, said that Amazon MGM Studios supported Mehta’s vision and creative freedom. She added that ‘Phoolan’ explores themes that can connect with audiences across different countries and languages.

The world premiere was attended by the film’s cast and creative team, including Sneha Kumari, Anurag Thakur, Aakash Dahiya, Vikram Pratap Singh and Richie Mehta. Producers Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kanwal Kohli and Kishor Arora of Namah Pictures were also present.

Produced by Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kishor Arora, Kanwal Kohli and Richie Mehta, ‘Phoolan’ is a Namah Pictures production. Following its TIFF premiere, the Hindi action drama will premiere on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide soon.