Not a Hero (film)

Not a Hero
Film festival poster
Directed byRima Das
Written byRima Das
Produced by
Starring
  • Bhuman Bhargav Das
  • Sukanya Boruah
  • Mrinmoy Das
Cinematography
  • Rima Das
  • Aditya Varma
Edited byRima Das
Music byPallab Talukdar
Production
companies
  • Flying River Films
  • Akanga Film Asia
Distributed byFlying River Films
Release date
Running time
97 minutes
Countries
  • India
  • Singapore
Languages

Not a Hero is a 2026 Indian-Singaporean coming-of-age drama film written, edited, produced and directed by Rima Das. Set between the city and the countryside, the film follows a young boy who moves from city life to his ancestral village.[1][2]

The film had its world premiere at the Generation Kplus section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2026, where it got a Special Mention in 'Crystal Bear for the Best Film in Generation Kplus', by Generation – Youth Jury.[3][4][5]

Synopsis

The film unfolds without dramatic events, focusing instead on the understated transformation of Mivan and the gentle reawakening of those around him.

Eleven-year-old Mivan, sent from the city to live with his young aunt Pahi in their ancestral village, struggles to adjust to rural life and their emotionally distant household. As he slowly involves into the community—attending school, making friends, and participating in daily routines, he develops a deeper awareness of the people and environment around him. His quiet presence gradually prompts subtle emotional shifts among the adults, revealing long-suppressed feelings.

Cast

  • Bhuman Bhargav Das as Mivan
  • Sukanya Boruah as Pahi
  • Mrinmoy Das as Rio

Release

Not a Hero had its world premiere in the Generation Kplus section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2026.[6][7]

Accolades

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Berlin International Film Festival 22 February 2026 Crystal Bear for the Best Film in Generation Kplus Not a Hero Special Mention [8]

References

  1. ^ "Rima Das's Assamese-Hindi-English film 'Not a Hero' to premiere at Berlin International Film Festival". India Today. 16 January 2026. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
  2. ^ Debanjan Dhar (15 January 2026). "Rima Das Returns To Berlin Film Festival With Not A Hero". Outlook India. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Rima Das headed to Berlin Film Festival with new film 'Not a Hero'". ThePrint. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
  4. ^ Ben Dalton (14 January 2026). "Berlin film festival reveals 2026 Special, Panorama, Generation titles including George Jaques' 'Sunny Dancer', 'The Moment' with Charli XCX". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
  5. ^ Lattanzio, Ryan (21 February 2026). "İlker Catak's 'Yellow Letters' Wins Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival: Full List of Awards". IndieWire. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  6. ^ "Not a Hero: Assamese-Hindi-English film by Rima Das to premiere at Berlin International Film Festival". The Statesman. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  7. ^ Economou, Vassilis (14 January 2026). "The Berlinale completes its Panorama and Generation line-ups". Cineuropa. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
  8. ^ Guy Lodge (21 February 2026). "Berlin Film Festival: İlker Çatak's 'Yellow Letters' Wins Golden Bear for Best Film, Sandra Hüller Wins Best Lead Performance (Full List of Winners)". Variety. Retrieved 22 February 2026.