Sukanya Basu Mallik: The Filmmaker Shaking Up Cinema with Tech, Guts, and Grit
Rising filmmaker and XR researcher Sukanya Basu Mallik is storming through the festival circuit, blending storytelling, tech, and personal grit.
Chennai, India – Rising filmmaker and XR researcher Sukanya Basu Mallik is storming through the festival circuit, blending storytelling, tech, and personal grit. With award-winning films and game- changing VR projects in the pipeline, Sukanya’s cinematic style is anything but ordinary. From the moment she tasted the freedom of university life at IIT Madras—binge-watching movies with friends and diving into theatre workshops—her passion for filmmaking took off. And she hasn’t looked back since.
“Living on campus, making films with friends—it just clicked. I was already connected with the industry from my newspaper columns, so I jumped right in. The tech part? It naturally came along with my research in VR,” Sukanya says.
From Festivals to Awards: A Blitz of Recognition
Sukanya’s films are raking in awards and official selections left and right. Her daring narratives and experimental filmmaking have won over both regional and international audiences:
Full Circle
- Kollywood International Film Festival – Award Winner
- Tamizhagam International Film Festival – Award Winner
- Rameshwaram International Film Festival – Award Winner-
- Crown Wood International Film Festival – Official Selection
A reflective take on life’s repetitive cycles, Full Circle packs a punch with its relatable narrative and emotional resonance.
Digital Delirium
- Rameshwaram International Film Festival – Award Winner
- Lift-Off Global Network - First-Time Filmmaker Sessions – Official Selection
This animated short plunges into the chaos of the digital world, exploring how tech influences relationships and identity.
Planet Opposite
- Rameshwaram International Film Festival – Award Winner
A mind-bending experimental short, Planet Opposite showcases Sukanya’s knack for sci-fi storytelling.
The Prince of Shadows
- Birsamunda International Film Awards – Semi-Finalist
Magic, Mess, and the Art of Storytelling
Sukanya believes in embracing the mess of filmmaking. “Make bad movies—it doesn’t matter. Just start, and you’ll get better,” she advises aspiring filmmakers. “Stories come to you. They find you. It’s not about chasing genres or themes—it’s about letting the magic happen.”
Her films often leave endings open, inspired by Perumal Murugan’s style, encouraging viewers to interpret the narrative through their own lens. “There’s always a message, but I want the audience to decide what they take away,” she says.
Tech Meets Cinema: Pushing Boundaries
With a foot firmly in both the academic and cinematic worlds, Sukanya’s work reflects the seamless integration of storytelling with VR and AI. Her upcoming VR film, Perception, promises to offer
viewers multiple storylines, all driven by the choices they make. Meanwhile, Innovation—a film about following one’s passion—is nearing the end of post-production, with a talented Chennai- based crew at the helm.
But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Being a young female filmmaker working with people who speak a language you don’t—it’s a trip,” she laughs. But her academic background gave her the connections and skills needed to thrive in this world of storytelling and tech.
What’s Next?
Sukanya is setting her sights on mastering VR filmmaking, blending gamified narratives with immersive experiences. “It’s not just about telling stories anymore—it’s about letting the audience live them,” she says.
She’s also clear about how valuable festivals have been for her growth. “Regional festivals help you connect with people from your surroundings, while international ones open your eyes to new ways of working,” she explains.
A Star in the Making
Sukanya Basu Mallik is just getting started, and the momentum is palpable. With award-winning films under her belt, exciting projects on the horizon, and a fearless approach to storytelling, she’s carving a niche that few can rival.
Whether it’s through animation, sci-fi, or interactive VR experiences, Sukanya’s work reflects a bold, experimental spirit that’s pushing the boundaries of traditional cinema. For collaborators, filmmakers, and curious minds, she’s ready to connect and create—and her journey is only just
Sukanya’s advice to dreamers? “Experiment until you find your groove, and then keep experimenting within it.” With her talent, grit, and passion for innovation, there’s no doubt she’s on a fast track to becoming a filmmaking powerhouse.
