TAALIM

TAALIM

In a traditional Indian wrestling academy, an 18-year-old trainee struggles under the weight of his uncle’s political ambitions and his guru’s rigid ideals of masculinity, as unspoken tensions and quiet desires begin to unsettle the very world he is meant to conform to.

TRAILER

SYNOPSIS

At a traditional Indian wrestling academy (Taalim), 18-year-old Abhilesh trains under a strict guru and his rigid ideals of masculinity. Burdened by his uncle’s political ambitions he is expected to embody strength and control but instead he struggles with self-doubt, unable to meet the demands placed upon him. As he navigates the physical and emotional intensity of the sport, unexpected feelings begin to surface, quietly unsettling his sense of self. With a crucial tournament approaching, Abhilesh finds himself torn between duty and an unspoken yearning for something more. In a world where masculinity is defined by dominance and devotion, he must confront his fears and desires, forcing him to question what it truly means to be a man.

Genre: Human Interest / Social Interest / Sports/ A Microcosm of Power and Tradition in Modern India
Length 65’ (52’ for Broadcast)

Year: 2026

ABHILESH

ABHILESH

GOVIND

Accolades

The images are striking as ever

Christilla Huillard-Kann

Elda° productions

I think this would be very interesting film and topic for European partners and audiences. Very intriguing world that I didn't even KNOW existed. 

Eveliina Kantola

Film Commissioner

The Finnish Film Foundation