Platoon One Films has come on board as the distributor and sales agent for iconoclastic Indian filmmaker Q’s film ‘Deshlai’ (Zewel) and plans to release the project in multiple territories from February 2026.
The deal follows the film’s world premiere as a closing night selection at the 2025 Tasvia Film Festival.
“Deshlai” follows a young Bangladeshi TikToker named Zewel who aims to become a hero on the platform as a matchstick master and fire starter. His brother’s arrest for drug trafficking stunted his follower growth and forced Zevel to flee to India, leaving everything behind, including TikTok. An even greater tragedy awaited him once he crossed the border.
The project by Q’s Oddjoint was first announced at Film Bazaar and has secured pre-broadcast sales with Bangladeshi streamer Chorki, with Luminary Pictures on board as lead co-producer. This year, at the newly renamed WAVES Film Bazaar, the film has signed a distribution deal with Platoon One Films.
The film will break away from the traditional festival circuit and go direct to audiences with a waterfall theatrical release scheduled for February 2026 in Bengal, the rest of India, the US and the UK.
“‘Zewel’ is a film that depicts the other side of Bengal on both sides of the border,” Q said. “A new wave of young people is coming to terms with a new identity, one that goes against the archaic and violent stereotypes of the disillusioned poor. ‘Zewel’ is soft, humane, and vulnerable. I wanted to explore the real change in aesthetics that is sweeping through this part of the world, K-pop mania. Most importantly, this film An affecting sense of loss and unfiltered empathy for the protagonist, despite his position, religion, and sense of self, “Zewel” is an emotional vehicle, a quirky and insidious take on the massive issue of cross-border immigration. ”
Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said: “We call Chorki the capital of Bengali content, but to live up to that title we need to think and operate big. That’s why we’re expanding beyond our borders. Chorki is driven by a desire to innovate and challenge the norms in the Bengali content industry, and we took on this project as part of that vision. ‘Shaaticup’, ‘Shaw’, ‘Myself Allen’ Swapan”, “Feu” etc.” “Gulmohor” and “Gulmohor” have already exemplified this ambition, establishing Chalki as a reliable platform for Bengali-speaking audiences. Collaborating with a director with a fresh and unconventional perspective like Q is a natural extension of that process. ”
Rita Meher of Luminary Pictures added, “‘Deshrai’ feels raw, urgent and totally of the moment as Q truly captures the youth. I’m honored to premiere this film at Tasveer because this is exactly the kind of fearless, boundary-pushing film I want to be associated with.”
Platoon One’s ‘Bayaan’ premiered in Toronto earlier this year and ‘Bindusagar’ at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where WAVES Film Bazaar is a market component.
Shiladitya Bora, Founder of Platoon One Films said, “Q has always been a fearless and original storyteller, and Deshrai is taking yet another bold leap in his cinematic journey. We are committed to championing films that expand the language of film, and partnering with Q on this project is perfectly aligned with our mission to bring disruptive, conversation-starting stories to audiences around the world.”
Avinava Ghosh of Dreams on Sale said, “Independent films have always been an essential part of world cinema and are highly regarded by Indian cinema, and it is no exaggeration to say that Q is a flag-bearer in this regard. Through my work, I am playing an even bigger role in bringing Indian cinema to the world. It was an honor to collaborate on ‘Deshrai’. It will not only be an enjoyable experience for the audience but also a gateway to a new avenue for cinema.” Indian and Bengali movies. ”
