Indian filmmaker Pushpendra Albe is set to bring his next feature film to Sri Lanka, with the entire project scheduled to be shot in the country following the international festival success of his latest film Joothan.
Albe’s upcoming film will centre on the journey of an aspiring cricketer from Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, tracing his struggles and ambitions as he dreams of representing his motherland at the highest level. The project is currently in the casting and pre-production stage, with filming expected to begin in Sri Lanka later this year.
The announcement comes as Albe’s film Joothan continues to gain recognition on the international festival circuit. Written, directed and produced by Albe, the film has secured four official selections at major Indian film festivals in 2026. It has been nominated as a finalist at the Jaipur International Film Festival and the Vindhya International Film Festival, while also earning an official selection at the Noida International Film Festival.
Joothan focuses on caste discrimination within India’s primary education system, highlighting one of the country’s most sensitive social issues. The film stars Devesh Ranjan in the lead role, alongside Kuldeep Kumar, Naresh Kumar, Vikram Singh, Sandeep Gupta, Dinesh Sharma and Rimjhim Rajpoot.
Produced by Pushpendra Albe and Nikil Pranav R under the banner Adopt A School Films, Joothan adds to Albe’s growing portfolio, which includes the patriotic drama Sector Balakot (2023) and Amaya (2024).
With his next project rooted in Sri Lankan cricket culture and set entirely in the country, Albe’s move is expected to place Sri Lanka firmly in the spotlight on the international cinema map. (Newswire)
