Veteran actor Anupam Kher is all set to shine at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) with his much-awaited film ‘Calorie’, which will make its international premiere in the prestigious Cinema of the World section. The festival, taking place from November 20 to 28 in Goa, will feature this acclaimed Indo-Canadian production, which has already received praise at several global film festivals for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth.
Written and directed by Eisha Marjara, Calorie is produced by Compass Productions and will release in theatres across Canada on November 28, 2025. Based on true events, the film delves into the emotional journey of a Sikh-Canadian family navigating loss, identity, and intergenerational trauma. At the center of the story is Monika, a stressed single mother who sends her two teenage daughters to India, hoping the visit will reconnect them with their Punjabi roots. What begins as a reluctant family trip transforms into a deeply moving summer of rediscovery, healing, and reconnection across generations and geographies.
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast led by Ellora Patnaik, known for her roles in Sort Of, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Kim’s Convenience. Joining her are Dolly Ahluwalia, Shanaya Dhillon-Birmhan (in her debut), Ashley Ganger, Sana Syed, Puja Uppal, and Tia Bhatia. Produced by Joe Balass, Calorie is described as a female-driven family drama that beautifully captures love, resilience, and the universal quest for belonging.
With Anupam Kher bringing his signature emotional gravitas to the story, Calorie promises to be more than just a film — it’s a cross-cultural reflection on identity, family, and the power of healing. As it heads to its international premiere at IFFI Goa, the film stands as a testament to storytelling that transcends borders and speaks to the shared human experience.