Pavo Films, a new Paris-based production company, has launched at the Cannes Film Market, announcing Gurvinder Singh's 'Rehmat' as its debut co-production.
Founders' Backgrounds
The company is co-founded by Cosmin Illes and Némésis Srour, who bring experience from streaming and South Asian cinema. Illes worked with platforms like Canal+ and Globo, and led marketing at LaCinetek, a French filmmaker-curated platform. Srour authored 'Bollywood Film Traffic' and has over a decade of experience in distributing Indian cinema in France.
'Rehmat' Production Details
Pavo Films joins as a French co-producer for 'Rehmat', a Punjabi-language feature by Singh, known for 'Anhey Ghorhey Da Daan' and 'Chauthi Koot'. Produced by Vahao Studio in India, the film is in post-production.
The film is set in modern-day Punjab and weaves three stories: a young woman hides a wounded stranger, a family deals with a father's disappearance, and an elderly man, played by Naseeruddin Shah, returns to his birthplace claiming to be God.
Literary and Cinematic Roots
'Rehmat' is adapted from Ajeet Cour's short stories, a key feminist voice in Punjabi literature. Singh connected with the material through Cour's daughter, Arpana Caur, who also produces the film.
Shah, a stalwart of India's parallel cinema, makes his first appearance in a Singh film. His career highlights include 'Nishant', 'Aakrosh', and 'Ardh Satya'. Singh noted Shah's commitment, saying, "When I approached him, he agreed without even asking about the role."
Themes and Technical Approach
The film explores Punjab's complex cultural and religious landscape. Singh describes 'Rehmat' as a reflection on hope and compassion amidst divisive politics. The title, a word with roots in Arabic, signifies compassion and the region's cultural identity.
Singh's films often revisit Punjab's history, drawing from his family's Partition experiences. 'Rehmat' addresses contemporary issues like drug crises and cultural drift, using long takes and diegetic sound to evoke its setting.
The ensemble cast includes Suvinder Vicky, Mita Vashisht, and Diya Kamboj, with poet Jaswant Zafar debuting as Harjap, a central character.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/naseeruddin-shah-pavo-films-gurvinder-singh-rehmat-1236748639/
