Kirti Kulhari is entering an exciting new chapter in her career, and this time, she is stepping behind the camera as a producer! The actress is all set to present her maiden feature production, Kinaare – Shores, at the prestigious Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) 2026, where the film will premiere. Backed by her production banner, Kintsukuroi Films, the project marks a deeply personal milestone for Kirti, who has spent more than a decade building an impressive acting career. For the actress, this is more than just another film credit; it is an opportunity to bring a story she truly believes in to the big screen.
Written and directed by brothers Akbar Qadri and Azam Qadri, Kinaare features Kirti alongside Rajeev Siddhartha, Alka Amin and Ravi Taneja. The film is co-produced by Abhishek Koka and Maansi Guptey, bringing together a creative team united by a shared passion for independent cinema. Announcing the news on Instagram, Kirti described the selection as a big day for her, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her first production at DIFF. She also spoke about finding her creative tribe through the project, highlighting the collaborative spirit that shaped the film. Clearly, this is one milestone the actress will remember for years to come!
At the heart of Kinaare is Amina, played by Kirti, a single woman living in a village near Delhi. Her days revolve around looking after her ageing parents and managing her home, with life following a familiar, predictable rhythm. Everything changes when her cousin brother, played by Azam Qadri, unexpectedly visits after 15 years. His arrival brings buried family tensions and painful memories back to the surface, reopening wounds from a past that once divided the family. As the two reconnect and catch up on the years they have lost, the encounter becomes an opportunity to make peace with old hurts, rediscover love and embrace the present.
For Kirti, the decision to produce Kinaare came from a genuine connection with its script. She describes the film as simple, heartwarming and subtle, qualities she particularly appreciates in Iranian cinema. That emotional honesty appears to be central to the film's appeal, with the story choosing intimate human experiences over exaggerated drama. Kirti has also spoken about her determination to make the film independently, allowing the creative team to realise their collective vision. Producing a film, she acknowledges, is no easy task, especially when working independently, but the dedication of the cast and crew has made the journey worthwhile. Her pride in bringing this story to audiences is evident.
Co-star Rajeev Siddhartha is equally enthusiastic about what the film offers. He has praised the script for giving actors room to explore not just the dialogue, but also the emotions and silences between the words. According to him, Kinaare explores universal themes that can resonate with audiences from different backgrounds, with the potential to leave viewers emotionally moved. The film's creative team includes cinematographer Arjun Sundaram, composer Mohan Kannan, editor Bakul Matiyani and sound designer Sanjay Chaturvedi, whose contributions help shape its intimate storytelling experience.
With its premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival 2026, Kinaare – Shores marks an important moment for both Kirti Kulhari and her production banner, Kintsukuroi Films. The project reflects her desire to champion stories that are personal, collaborative and emotionally grounded. As she takes this new step beyond acting, Kirti is embracing the challenges of independent filmmaking with a clear creative vision. And if the film's gentle exploration of family, forgiveness and acceptance is anything to go by, Kinaare could be a meaningful addition to this year's independent cinema conversation.