Richie Mehta’s Phoolan, inspired by Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, will premiere at TIFF 2026 before its global OTT release.
Filmmaker Richie Mehta’s new film Phoolan, based on the life of the dreaded Chambal dacoit turned politician Phoolan Devi, will have its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The film is a Prime Original and will later be released for the general public on Prime Video. A release date for the streaming premiere has not been announced yet.
Also Read | Batwara 1947 teaser 2 unveils Sunny Deol’s fiercest Partition drama
Where will you be able to watch Phulan?
The Hindi language film will be screened at the festival on September 16 at the Princess of Wales Theatre, as part of the Special Presentations section, according to a press release.
The film has been written and directed by Mehta, and produced by Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kishor Arora, Kanwal Kohli and Mehta under the banner of Namah Pictures.
Phulan the Bandit Queen
Phoolan draws inspiration from the 1997 book I, Phoolan: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen. The film focuses on a defining chapter in Phoolan Devi’s life, when thousands of armed men surrounded a village in a determined attempt to kill her.
Forty eight hours. One unforgettable story. Phoolan is now headed to TIFF 2026#PhoolanOnPrime@PrimeVideoIN pic.twitter.com/XoMdUwa8kf
— Ziaul Irfan (@ZiaulIrfan112) July 21, 2026
Set in the heartland of India, the story follows the journey of an impoverished 17 year old girl who eventually became one of the country’s most infamous outlaws.
Also Read | ‘Why I never gave up’: Yami Gautam reflects on National Award victory
According to the makers, the narrative centres around a brutal 48 hour siege carried out by more than 2,000 armed men.
Cast and premiere plans
Phoolan will release on Prime Video after completing its festival run. The film features Sneha Kumari in the title role, along with Anurag Thakur, Vikram Pratap Singh, Aakash Dahiya, Prateek Pachori and Dev Dutt Budholiya in important roles.
TIFF, one of the world’s leading film festivals, is known as a major platform for international cinema. This edition of the festival will run from September 10 to 20.
Not the first film on Phoolan Devi
Popularly known as the Bandit Queen, Phoolan Devi was a major figure in India’s pop culture during the 80s and 90s. Her journey from a bandit to a Member of Parliament was earlier depicted by Shekhar Kapur in the controversial 1994 film Bandit Queen.
The film starred Seema Biswas as Phoolan, along with Nirmal Pandey, Aditya Srivastava, Gajraj Rao, Saurabh Shukla, Manoj Bajpayee and Raghuvir Yadav in supporting roles.
Also Read | Kartik Aaryan celebrates first National Award with emotional family hug `
Bandit Queen went on to win three National Film Awards, including Best Actress for Seema Biswas and Best Hindi Feature Film.
However, the film’s release was surrounded by controversy, with Phoolan Devi herself opposing it and even threatening self immolation if it was released.
FAQS
1.What is Phoolan about?
The film is based on the life of Phoolan Devi, following her journey from an impoverished 17 year old girl to one of India’s most infamous outlaws, centred on a 48 hour siege by armed men trying to kill her.
2.Where and when will Phoolan premiere?
It will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, before releasing later on Prime Video.
