Japan, India-Set Romance ‘Him, Her and Fuji’ Unveils First Looks (EXCLUSIVE)

Indo-Japanese romance “Toh Ti Ani Fuji” (Him, Her and Fuji) has unveiled its first looks as the film prepares for its world premiere at the 24th Pune International Film Festival.

The bilingual production, shot extensively across Japan and India, has been selected for PIFF’s competitive Marathi Feature Film section, where it will compete for the Government of Maharashtra’s Sant Tukaram Award for Best International Marathi Film.

The film reunites actors Lalit Prabhakar and Mrinmayee Godbole, who previously starred together in the 2017 hit “Chi Va Chi Sau Ka.” Written by Irawati Karnik (“Jhimma,” “Anandi Gopal”) and directed by Mohit Takalkar (“Anatomy of a Suicide”), the project centers on a former couple who unexpectedly reconnect in Japan seven years after their separation.

The narrative explores how their once-passionate relationship deteriorated due to conflicting priorities and emotional imbalances, with Japan serving as both physical setting and metaphor for the emotional distance between the characters.

Producer Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films emphasized the film’s thematic core. “‘Toh Ti Ani Fuji’ is, for me, rooted in one simple yet profound line from the film: ‘What if we both have different memories?'” Bora said. “That question lies at the heart of the story. It speaks to how two people can share the same relationship, the same moments, yet carry them very differently.”

Bora, whose credits include “Bayaan” (Toronto 2025), “Ghaath” (Berlinale 2023) and the Indian National Film Award-winning “Picasso,” described the project as part of Platoon One’s efforts to expand regional cinema’s scope. “With this film, we wanted to take that journey further and explore a space we hadn’t worked in before,” he said.

Director Takalkar called the PIFF selection “deeply affirming.” “PIFF is more than a festival – it’s a cultural moment the city returns to each year with seriousness and curiosity,” he said. “It’s especially meaningful because the film is unapologetically urban, rooted in contemporary Pune, and willing to sit with emotional discomfort rather than resolve it neatly.”

Godbole, whose credits include “Jhimma” and “CRD,” said her character reflects contemporary challenges. “For me, this character is an apt depiction of a woman in today’s time and age who tries to balance love, autonomy and responsibility,” she said.

Prabhakar (“Anandi Gopal,” “Zombivli”) called the production “challenging at many points, but also deeply rewarding,” adding that the PIFF premiere makes the moment “truly special.”

The film is set for worldwide theatrical release this summer.

Platoon One Films, founded by Berlinale Talents alumnus Bora, has four titles releasing this year: “Bayaan,” “Bindusagar,” “Minimum” and “Toh Ti Ani Fuji.”

PIFF takes place Jan. 15-22.