Rumana Molla on her directorial debut: It is a little more satisfying because you are giving birth to something of your own

Actress, writer and filmmaker Rumana Molla, who has appeared in films such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Bawri Chhori and Irada, is entering a new phase in her career with Minimum, her directorial debut, which is slated for release in India in 2026. The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Saba Azad, Namit Das, Geetanjali Kulkarni and Rumana herself. Having recently won the Best Debut Director award at the UK Asian Film Festival, Rumana says directing has brought her a different kind of creative fulfilment.

She adds, “While I love both acting and directing, I feel direction is a little more satisfying because you are giving birth to something that did not previously exist. It is your own creation, nurtured with heart and soul, and watching it grow is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Rumana was also recently at the Cannes Film Festival as an associate producer on Lakadbaggha 2, which was screened at the Marché du Film. Reflecting on the experience, she says, “It was my first time at Cannes and I was extremely excited. It was an experience of a lifetime. At the same time, because I grew up in Belgium and studied in French, there was also a sense of familiarity. I was there primarily for the screening of Lakadbaggha 2 at the Marché du Film. I did not feel any pressure. Firsts are always exciting, and that’s all I felt.”

The growing presence of influencers at international film festivals has sparked debate in recent years, but Rumana views it as part of a larger conversation about perception and branding. She shares, “I do not think it is unfair. I do think it changes how we perceive an event, its image and what it ultimately represents. There is no right or wrong approach. It depends on what you want an event to stand for and how you want people to engage with it.”

As she awaits the India release of Minimum, Rumana is particularly excited to bring a story close to her heart to audiences. She says, “The title Minimum conveys the idea that, as women, we are often encouraged to be satisfied with the bare minimum, whereas we should be asking for more. The minimum is no longer enough. The story is inspired by observations from my own life and explores the experiences of immigrants, whether it is their search for belonging, validation or simply dealing with loneliness.”