Papa Buka

Last updated

Papa Buka
Papa Buka film poster.jpg
Promotional poster
Directed by Dr. Biju
Written by
  • Dr. Biju
  • Daniel Jonerdhagtt
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyYedhu Radhakrishnan
Edited byDavis Manuel
Music by Ricky Kej
Production
companies
  • Native Arts Fashion Academy Production
  • Akshay Parija Productions
  • Neelam Productions
  • Silicon Media
Release date
  • 19 September 2025 (2025-09-19)
Running time
70 minutes
Countries
  • Papua New Guinea
  • India
Languages

Papa Buka is an upcoming Tok Pisin-language drama film co-written and directed by Dr. Biju, featuring Sine Boboro in the titular role. The film follows Papa Buka, an elderly war veteran, who helps two Indian historians discover forgotten World War II events that link India and Papua New Guinea through acts of bravery and kindness. The film will be released on 19 September 2025 in Papua New Guinea. The timing of the film release is significant as Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence will be celebrated on 16 September 2025. [1]

Contents

The Papua New Guinea-India co-production is selected as the first ever submission of Papua New Guinea for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. [2]

Synopsis

Two Indian historians, Romila Chatterjee and Anand Kunhiraman, travel to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to research and write a book about Indian soldiers who served alongside British and Australian forces during World War II, fighting against the Japanese. In their search for firsthand accounts, they meet Papa Buka, an 80-year-old war veteran from the Kokoda Track campaign. He becomes their guide, leading them through remote jungle villages where they interview other veterans and collect memories of the war. As their journey unfolds, they encounter surprising and unforeseen events.

Cast

Production

The film was announced in May 2024 by Inbasekar Sundaramurti, Indian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. It is the first Papua New Guinea–India co-produced feature film, marking a milestone in cinematic collaboration between the two countries and Papua New Guinea's representation at major international film festivals. [3] Native Arts Fashion Academy Production of Papua New Guinea and the Indian producers Akshay Parija, Pa. Ranjith and Prakash Bare are co-producing the film. It is supported by the Papua New Guinea Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, National Cultural Commission, and the High Commission of India. [4]

In 2024, Ritabhari Chakraborty was selected to play lead in the film. [5] Yedhu Radhakrishnan, is making his debut as a cinematographer with the film. [6]

Principal photography began in mid-July 2024 in Papua New Guinea. [3] Production was wrapped up in December 2024. [7]

Release

The film will be released on 19 September 2025 in Papua New Guinea, coinciding with the Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence, which is celebrated on 16 September 2025. [8] [9] Papa Buka was submitted as Papua New Guinea's entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, the first time for the country. [1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ramachandran, Naman (26 August 2025). "Papua New Guinea Makes First-Ever Oscar Submission With 'Papa Buka' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Archived from the original on 31 August 2025.
  2. "Papa Buka: Papua New Guinea's first Oscar journey begins with Indian collaboration". The Statesman . 29 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  3. 1 2 Naman Ramachandran (15 May 2024). "India, Papua New Guinea Co-Production 'Papa Buka' Sets July Shoot – Global Bulletin". Variety . Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  4. Kassas, Scholar (16 May 2024). "First major co-producing film project for India and PNG". Post Courier . Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  5. Niyogi, Agnivo (16 May 2024). "Ritabhari Chakraborty set for debut international project Papa Buka". The Telegraph . Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  6. "M J Radhakrishnan's son to debut as cinematographer with Dr. Biju's next". The New Indian Express. 19 September 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  7. Ramachandran, Naman (11 December 2024). "Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu Joins Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt in 'Baaghi 4' – Global Bulletin". Variety . Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  8. "Dr Biju's film 'Papa Buka' selected as Papua New Guinea's official entry to Oscars". Onmanorama . 27 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  9. "Papa Buka". Paradise Cinema. Retrieved 30 August 2025.