"Chronicles of a Confession," the highly anticipated second feature from director Prateek Vats, is gaining significant momentum with the recent addition of Kavita Gupta's U.S.-based Cineroost as a co-producer. This collaboration strengthens an already formidable team, which includes acclaimed executive producers Payal Kapadia and Anurag Kashyap. The narrative, centered on a Kashmiri shawl merchant's wrongful admission of guilt, promises a compelling drama.
Cineroost Strengthens 'Chronicles of a Confession' Production Team
In a significant development for the independent film landscape, Kavita Gupta's U.S.-based production company, Cineroost, has officially joined Prateek Vats' upcoming feature, "Chronicles of a Confession," as a producer. This announcement, made on October 7, 2026, marks Cineroost's commitment to supporting impactful storytelling and expands its growing portfolio of projects. The film, which is slated to begin principal photography in early November, has already garnered attention for its compelling premise and the involvement of celebrated executive producers, Payal Kapadia and Anurag Kashyap.
Cineroost's engagement extends beyond financial backing, encompassing global representation and strategic market positioning within the United States. This marks the company's next major cinematic endeavor following the success of Vir Das's "Baara Number," showcasing its dedication to fostering diverse narratives.
The screenplay for "Chronicles of a Confession" was meticulously crafted by Vidur Nauriyal, Prateek Vats, and Shubham. The story delves into the life of a Kashmiri shawl vendor who, under mysterious circumstances, confesses to a crime he did not commit, setting in motion a chain of unforeseen consequences. The script's artistic merit was recognized at the esteemed Busan International Film Festival, where it was selected for the Asian Cinema Fund's script development program.
Director Prateek Vats previously achieved critical acclaim with his debut feature, "Eeb Allay Ooo!" This film premiered at the Pingyao Film Festival in 2019, where it secured the prestigious Golden Gateway award at the Mumbai Film Festival. Its subsequent screenings at the Berlinale in 2020 and the inaugural online edition of the Tribeca Film Festival further solidified Vats's reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
The production team for "Chronicles of a Confession" is a tapestry of international talent. Ranjan Singh of Flip Films, known for works like "Songs of Forgotten Trees" and "Vagachipaani," is producing, alongside Dubai-based Action Filmz, India's Etched Films, and Khan & Kumar Productions, creators of "Lovers in the Blue Night." This collaborative effort spans India, the U.S., and the U.A.E., highlighting the project's global appeal.
Anurag Kashyap, a veteran filmmaker who previously collaborated with Vats on his debut, expressed profound admiration for the script. He remarked, "I almost want to steal it. And since I can’t, I have jumped on board as an executive producer." Kashyap also highlighted the honor of working alongside Payal Kapadia, whom he respects for her unwavering artistic vision, and his long-time producer, Ranjan Singh. Kapadia echoed this sentiment, stating, "Prateek’s films mix humor and political commentary in a unique way which I have always admired. And this new project takes this to an even higher level."
Prateek Vats shared his excitement about the project finally moving forward, acknowledging that "'Chronicles of a Confession' has been brewing for some years." He also emphasized the continuity of his collaboration with Ranjan Singh, who has been a steadfast supporter since his first feature.
The film's distinguished crew includes Anand Bansal, director of photography for "Dhuin," "Gamak Ghar," and "The Elephant Whisperers," behind the camera. Rajesh Thanickan, known for "Santosh" and "Homebound," serves as supervising producer. Devika Dave of "Boong" and "Sherni" fame is responsible for production design, Himani Dehalvi for costumes, and Bigyna Dahal of "The Fable" and "Khauff" for sound design.
Kavita Gupta's involvement signifies a full-circle moment, as her earliest film projects 13 years ago were with Anurag Kashyap, fostering a lasting professional relationship. Gupta articulated her vision for Cineroost, stating, "Strong writing, the best creators and a stellar global creative team, everything about this film aligned with my vision for Cineroost – rare, global and rooted." She further elaborated on her motivation, saying, "Business from films is not for my sustenance but really for my soul and passion. I find that to be a strength in the work I do in the creative world. I have the privilege of flirting with risk more than others." Gupta also expressed her desire to step out of the shadows, stating, "I felt time has come for me to take bigger steps and come out from being in the shadows to do what I love, nurturing creative voices, enabling stories that matter and building bridges between divergent worlds."
This collaboration marks a pivotal second step in Cineroost's strategic growth and its ongoing mission to champion diverse and compelling cinematic voices on a global scale.
The assembly of such a talented and globally connected team for "Chronicles of a Confession" speaks volumes about the growing convergence of international cinematic efforts. This project not only promises a thought-provoking narrative but also showcases how collaborations across continents can enrich storytelling and bring unique perspectives to the forefront of global cinema. It highlights the importance of visionary producers like Kavita Gupta who are willing to take risks and build bridges, ultimately nurturing creative voices that resonate with audiences worldwide. Such ventures are crucial in pushing artistic boundaries and ensuring that diverse stories from different cultural contexts find their rightful place on the international stage.
