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Press Release: 'Paro: The Untold Story of Slavery' Garners Acclaim at Cannes, Igniting Conversation on Bride Slavery and Women’s Rights

Updated: 2 days ago

To all concerned journalists, reviewers, vloggers, bloggers, and influencers:


Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery has made waves at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with its exclusive Marché du Film screening, drawing critical acclaim and igniting urgent global conversations around bride slavery and women’s rights. This is your opportunity to amplify a powerful, real-world story that urgently demands more international attention.


With the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival just behind us, it’s time to shine a spotlight on films that have something vital to say – messages that transcend their value as mere audiovisual entertainment. Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery already opened many eyes during last year’s festival, when the film’s team had women walk around wearing price tags. Now that this feature – co-written, produced, and led by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Trupti Bhoir – has been screened at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes earlier this month, it has become clear that this powerful drama not only offers an immersive cinematic experience but also takes a bold stand against bride slavery.




Click on the link above to download the full press release as a PDF


Hidden yet – unfortunately – very real, bride slavery has remained an ongoing social evil in India for centuries. In certain regions still suffering from severe gender imbalance, women can be bought like commodities, only to be forced into lives of servitude, stripped of autonomy and human dignity. Similar problems persist in countries like Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, Mexico, and too many more. The name Paro or Molki ('molki' literally means 'one who has a price') means ‘outsider’ – emblematic of the cruel reality these bride slaves endure.



Tackling this subject for the first time in a film of such magnitude, two-time National Award winner Gajendra Ahire directs a riveting piece inspired by true events. In Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, he follows the harrowing journey of a young woman sold into marriage and subjected to polyandry.


‘This is not just a film – it is a mirror held up to society,’ says Trupti Bhoir, who delivers a searing performance in the title role. ‘I created Paro to give a voice to the voiceless, to ignite a conversation that has long been ignored. Women’s rights are human rights, and Paro is a call for justice and change.’

 

Standing Ovation at Cannes


The Cannes screening of Paro drew a packed audience and an emotional response, with viewers from around the world visibly moved by the film’s depth and raw storytelling. The standing ovation and post-screening discussions confirmed the film’s potential to drive real-world impact far beyond the screen.

 

Taha Shah Baddusha, who stars alongside Bhoir, shared: ‘Grateful and humbled to be part of a story that truly matters. Presenting Paro at the Marché du Film has been an honor. This film doesn’t just tell a story – it delivers a powerful truth.’

 

Following the screening, Bhoir added: ‘Paro is not just India’s story; it’s a global issue. The recognition at Cannes reaffirmed that Paro is no longer just a film – it’s a movement for change that crosses borders and brings hidden truths into the light.’

 


Watch the Trailer – Press and Media Invited


Building on the momentum from Cannes, a new official trailer for Paro is now available:


Visit the official IMDb page:


Watch an Interview with Trupti Bhoir During the Cannes Film Festival:


About Trupti Bhoir


Trupti Bhoir is an Oscar-listed producer, nationally recognized actress, writer, and philanthropist. She rose to global prominence with her acclaimed Marathi film Touring Talkies, which was shortlisted for the 86th Academy Awards. She is the founder of Shelter Foundation, supporting underprivileged tribal women in Maharashtra, and serves on the Marathi Film Grant Recommendation Committee. In 2024, she was appointed as a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Government of India. With Paro, Bhoir continues her mission to use cinema as a catalyst for real and lasting change.

 

Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery was produced by Trupti Bhoir filmss and Sandesh Sharda International Production. It was researched and co-written by Trupti Bhoir, who is also the lead actress in the film. Having attracted the attention and the support of the Indian government itself, Trupti has good hopes that ever more initiatives will be implemented to fight the phenomenon of bride slavery in the near future.


For Media Inquiries, Screeners & Interviews:

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