Nicholas Weinstock Joins Indian Fantasy-Horror Film 'Tongue' with Sayani Gupta
Nicholas Weinstock, the executive producer behind the acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Severance,” has officially partnered with the Indian fantasy-horror project titled “Tongue.” This film, penned and helmed by Krishnarjun Bhattacharya, features Sayani Gupta in a starring role, with Gupta also taking on the responsibilities of the film's Indian producer. This collaboration signals a significant moment for Indian cinema, bringing international production expertise to a uniquely crafted narrative. The movie has already garnered attention, securing a spot in the South Asian Canadian Film Federation’s Indo-Canadian Producers’ Lab, and is slated for presentation at the Toronto Film Festival’s Indo-Canadian co-production market.
The narrative of “Tongue” plunges audiences into a world where two sisters, estranged from each other, find themselves confined within the decaying grandeur of their deceased grandmother’s estate. Their confinement is not merely physical; it is a journey into the past, as they seek to unravel cryptic clues. This quest leads them through an unsettling landscape filled with grotesque entities and deadly traps, ultimately revealing long-buried family secrets. These secrets, central to the film’s enigmatic premise, are intricately connected to a mysterious linguistic phenomenon referred to as “the Tongue.” Sayani Gupta is cast as one of these pivotal sisters, anchoring the story with her performance.
Nicholas Weinstock conveyed his immense enthusiasm for “Tongue,” emphasizing his confidence in the emerging talent of director Krishnarjun and the exceptional capabilities of Sayani Gupta. He expressed a belief that India is poised to produce a globally resonant horror hit, akin to the success of films like “Parasite,” “Get Out,” or “Backrooms.” Weinstock lauded “Tongue” as a wildly original creation, blending elements from these successful predecessors, and posited that it possesses the potential to achieve widespread international recognition. His involvement through Invention Studios, alongside Divya D’Souza, underscores a commitment to fostering unique cinematic voices and narratives on a global stage.
Beyond his engagement with “Severance,” Weinstock’s diverse portfolio includes credits for “Thelma,” the Nigerian production “Clarissa,” and the Netflix series “In the Dark,” in addition to the Apple TV+ offering “High Desert.” Krishnarjun Bhattacharya, the film's writer and director, is an alumnus of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, known for his multifaceted talents as a novelist and game designer. His literary contributions include the “Tantric Trilogy,” and he co-authored the Indian horror series “Vakr,” which is anticipated for a 2026 release on Netflix. Sayani Gupta’s production venture, Sayani Gupta Movies, has previously supported projects such as the short film “Aasmani” and the independent feature “Where the Winds Blow,” highlighting her active role in shaping compelling cinematic content.
Furthermore, Sayani Gupta is making her debut in a U.S. feature film, “Arya,” at this year’s TIFF market. The film, which recently concluded principal photography in Duluth, Minnesota, is directed and written by Neil Tuli. “Arya” centers on Arya Sinha, a stringent piano instructor from a prestigious Indian conservatory. She reluctantly accepts a teaching position in northern Minnesota, tasked with revitalizing a struggling school band program, a move she hopes will advance her career back home. As Arya navigates her unfamiliar and unpredictable new environment, she is compelled to shed her rigid demeanor and confront deep-seated insecurities. Gupta not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer, alongside a cast that includes Ross Butler, Mark Evan Jackson, and Adi Roy.
The Toronto International Film Festival holds significant personal and professional importance for Gupta, serving as a platform for several of her career-defining works. Her breakthrough film, “Margarita With a Straw,” premiered at TIFF in 2015. This was followed by the debut of “Parched” in 2016 and “The Hungry” in 2017, solidifying her presence and impact within the international film community. Her continuous engagement with TIFF reflects her commitment to bringing diverse and impactful stories to a global audience, further enhancing her reputation as a formidable talent in contemporary cinema.
This collaboration between Nicholas Weinstock and the creators of “Tongue” signifies an exciting development in the realm of international co-productions, blending varied cultural narratives with established industry expertise. The film promises a captivating fantasy-horror experience, driven by a compelling storyline and strong performances. With its unique premise and an impressive team, “Tongue” is set to contribute a distinct voice to the global cinematic landscape, potentially marking a new era for Indian fantasy-horror on the world stage.
