| Gypsy | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Shashi Chandrakant Khandare |
| Produced by |
|
| Written by | Shashi Chandrakant Khandare |
| Starring | Kabir Khandare |
| Music by | Vikas Chandrakant Khandare (Sound Design) |
| Cinematography | Pravin Jalindar Sonavane |
| Edited by | Akshay Shinde |
Production companies | Bolpat Nirmitee |
Release date |
|
Running time | 105 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Marathi |
Gypsy (also known as Gypsy: The Nomadic Tribe) is a 2023 Indian Marathi-language drama film written and directed by Shashi Chandrakant Khandare in his feature film debut. The film stars child actor Kabir Khandare as Jotya, a young boy from a nomadic community.
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its depiction of social marginalization and won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist at the 71st National Film Awards.[1] It was also selected for the Indian Panorama section at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Plot[edit | edit source]
Jotya (Kabir Khandare) is a young boy born into an itinerant nomadic family that wanders aimlessly to survive. The narrative explores the extreme poverty and lack of basic necessities faced by his community. Forced to beg for stale food daily while his pregnant mother struggles, Jotya develops a unique sensory obsession with the smell of fresh, hot food, a luxury he is denied. The film follows his internal and external quest for dignity and a better life amidst a society that largely ignores the plight of nomadic tribes.[2]
Production[edit | edit source]
The film was the result of a five-year development period by Shashi Khandare. It was shot in the Solapur region of Maharashtra under challenging weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 42°C (107.6°F). To maintain authenticity, lead actor Kabir Khandare performed several sequences barefoot. The director intended the film to spark dialogue regarding the illiteracy and "sensory experiences" of marginalized children.[3]
Release and reception[edit | edit source]
Gypsy premiered at the Marché du Film during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.[4] It had its Indian premiere at the 55th IFFI in Goa, where it competed for the Silver Peacock for Best Debutant Director.[5][6]
Accolades[edit | edit source]
The film was a major winner at both state and national levels:
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71st National Film Awards | Best Child Artist | Kabir Khandare | Won |
| 61st Maharashtra State Film Awards | Best Rural Film | Gypsy [7] | Won | |
| 2024 | 55th International Film Festival of India | Best Debut Director | Shashi Khandare[6] | Nominated |
| 2024 | Pune International Film Festival | Special Jury Mention (Acting) | Kabir Khandare[3] | Won |
At the 61st Maharashtra State Film Awards, the film won a total of eight awards, including Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design.[7]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Singh, Needhi. "President Murmu Mentions Special Appreciation For Child Artists Who Won Big At The 71st National Film Awards". Bombay Times. Archived from the original on 11 December 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ↑ "Gypsy - Indian Panorama Feature Films". IFFI Goa. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "४२ डिग्री तापमानामध्ये अनवाणी शूट करुन छोट्या कबीरने केली कमाल, PIFF मध्ये विशेष सन्मान". Maharashtra Times (in मराठी). Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ↑ Singh, Needhi. "President Murmu Mentions Special Appreciation For Child Artists Who Won Big At The 71st National Film Awards". Bombay Times. Archived from the original on 11 December 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ↑ "'Gypsy' exploration of resilience: Shashi Khandare". Press Information Bureau. 26 November 2024.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "55TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA" (PDF).
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "'जिप्सी' फेम चिमुकल्याची कमाल, 47 डिग्रीत 12 दिवस अनवाणी पायांनी केलं शूटिंग, कबीरचं होणार खास कौतुक". news18marathi.com (in मराठी). Archived from the original on 29 June 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2026.