HGF 2025 Will See Nag Ashwin & Arjun Varain Singh Speak At A One-Of-A-Kind Panel Discussion

At the heart of every compelling story lies identity — who we are, where we come from, and where we are headed. The Homegrown Festival 2025 brings together two of India’s biggest filmmakers, Nag Ashwin and Arjun Varain Singh, for a conversation on the evolving landscape of Indian storytelling. Moderated by Varsha Patra, this panel will explore how narratives are shifting in contemporary India, reshaping the way we see ourselves on screen and in culture at large.

A fresh yet powerful force, Arjun has already made waves with his poignant take on millennial and Gen Z identity. His debut feature, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, encapsulates the anxieties and camaraderie of a digital-age generation grappling with self-discovery.

A Columbia College graduate mentored by the Zoya Akhtar, Arjun cut his teeth on projects like Gully Boy and Ghost Stories. His unique perspective — one that fuses deep emotional storytelling with an aesthetically modern lens — makes him a crucial voice in the new wave of Indian filmmakers. His work across music videos, commercials, and feature films consistently seeks to push the boundaries of how stories are told, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist of young India.

A filmmaker who refuses to be confined by genre, Nag has become one of the most innovative voices in Indian cinema today. His ability to blend science fiction, mythology, and deeply rooted cultural themes has set him apart as a storyteller who not only entertains but also challenges perceptions.

Known for films like Mahanati (2018), a biopic of legendary actress Savitri, and the highly acclaimed Kalki 2898 AD, Nag brings a cinematic vision that is both futuristic and deeply Indian. His work re-imagines the past, present, and future of the subcontinent through ambitious world-building. In a rapidly changing industry, he is proof that mainstream cinema can be both commercially successful and intellectually provocative.

Indian storytelling is at an inflection point. OTT platforms offer global reach, and new forms of media shape audience expectations. Filmmakers must rethink how stories of identity, heritage, and modernity are portrayed. What does it mean to be Indian today? How do we balance nostalgia with progress? Can cinema create a new cultural lexicon for a rapidly evolving generation?

In this conversation, Arjun and Nag will unpack these questions and more. It's moderated by Varsha Patra, co-founder and CEO of Homegrown, who has brought her creative vision to film projects.

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