By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 27 Aug: Uttarakhand is set to showcase its rich culinary heritage on the silver screen with the release of the much-anticipated film, ‘Meethi –Maa Ku Ashirwad’, on 30 August. This film, which celebrates the gastronomical traditions of the state, will be screened in theatres across Uttarakhand.
‘Meethi–Maa Ku Ashirwad’ weaves the story of Meethi, a village girl, who inherits her mother’s culinary skills and the rich food traditions of Uttarakhand. The film explores the profound connection between food and people, portraying how the simple yet nutritious dishes of Uttarakhand play a vital role in shaping the narrative and connecting the audience with the characters.
Set against the backdrop of Uttarakhand’s picturesque landscapes, the film delves into the life of Meethi as she navigates challenges that force her to leave her village and migrate to the city. Despite facing ridicule for the traditional Pahari dishes she cooks, Meethi’s culinary talent continues to mesmerise everyone, from roadside customers to MasterChef-style competition judges. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey as Meethi strives to preserve her heritage, overcome past wounds, and build a future that honours her roots.
“Uttarakhandi food, especially dishes made from millets, is rich in nutrients and offers great health benefits, yet it remains underrepresented in mainstream conversations. This inspired us to create a story that touches on themes of culture, heritage, and migration, set against an urban and contemporary backdrop,” says Vaibhav Goyal, Producer of Meethi–Maa Ku Ashirwad. Goyal also highlighted the involvement of fresh, young talent in the film, selected through Bollywood-style auditions led by Padma Shri awardee Madhuri Barthwal.
The film was shot in the picturesque village of Jakhol in Uttarkashi, where the cultivation of rajma (kidney beans) and apples has enabled villagers to sustain their livelihoods. Additional scenes were filmed in Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muzaffarnagar, Delhi, and Noida. The film’s vibrant soundtrack, featuring songs by Pawandeep Rajan and Vivek Nautiyal, with music composed by Aadi, adds to its appeal.
Produced by Vaibhav Goyal and Directed by Kanta Prasad under the banner of Coloured Checkers Private Limited, Meethi– Maa Ku Ashirwad is poised to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story, stunning visuals, and soulful music. The film will have its theatrical release at PVR Centrio Mall in Dehradun, Rama Palace in Rishikesh, New Upasana Cinema in Vikasnagar, RR Cinemas in Roorkee, and Kay Cinema in Kotdwar on 30 August.
The star cast of the highly anticipated film attended a press conference today, with lead actor Mohit Ghildiyal taking centre stage alongside Megha Khugshal. They were joined by supporting actors Naval Semwal and Parth Kotiyal.
The event also saw the presence of other key actors from the film, including Padmendra Rawat, Mukesh Sharma, Anjali Ramola, Sandeep Nayak, Ranveer Chauhan, Neelam Rawat, Sanjay Badoni, Rajesh Naugain, Rajeev Shukla, and Roma Pandit.
Behind the scenes, the talent was equally impressive. Kuldeep Singh Rawat, the DoP, was present alongside Dharmesh Sagar, the writer. The film features music directed by R-Nade, with lyrics penned by Adi. Lending their voices to the soundtrack were Pawandeep Rajan and Vivek Nautiyal. Nikhil Jain, the Line Producer, was also in attendance along with Kshitij Singh and Nikhil Nahar.