New production banner Veloche launches with horror film, fund for Indian subcontinent talent

New production company, Veloche Productions, is set to make its debut at the Cannes Film Market.

The venture will launch with a horror film and a dedicated production fund aimed at supporting filmmakers from the Indian subcontinent who lack access to traditional industry and studio funding.

The fund will accept submissions from July through September 2025, with winners to be announced in October. This initiative represents the first major activity for the company, which was founded by UAE-based entrepreneur and 2023 Mrs. Earth, Debanjali Kamstra, alongside Indian film industry veteran Sandhya Ramachandran, who has had stints as creative director at Rose Movies, film agent to Bollywood star Katrina Kaif and managing Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s Being Human brands portfolio and as CEO of UBT, his talent agency.

Veloche Productions’ inaugural project will be an English-language horror film inspired by Indian folklore and mysticism. The project will be helmed by Salil Jason Fernandes and creative producer Aliya Curmally, with production scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Kamstra herself is set to make her acting debut in 30 Days of Autumn, director Sudipto Roy’s adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s classic short story The Postmaster. The extended short will have its world premiere at the Cannes market in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

“There is so much incredible filmmaking talent in the Indian subcontinent, as demonstrated by the range of films that came to prominence over the last year internationally, garnering recognition through the international festivals and award selections and, through that, galvanising audiences and appreciation from across the globe,” Kamstra says. “Unfortunately, so much of this talent remains untapped as these filmmakers largely lack the connections to studios and production houses for funding.”

She adds, “My career journey has provided me with so many chances and opportunities that my aim with Veloche Productions is to help others bring their own talent and stories to life, in this case on screen. And here we are, in Cannes, where my first film as an actor will be screened. What more fitting a backdrop to make this debut and announce the production company and production fund than Cannes?”

“In my years working in Indian cinema, I’ve seen so many scripts and come across so many aspiring and exceptionally talented directors, who sadly haven’t had a chance to bring their visions to life because they just don’t have the industry contacts or the access to studio funding,” says Ramachandran.

“Connecting with Debanjali, who is so full of talent, drive and a commitment to sharing her own success, we decided to conjoin our respective resources and expertise to launch Veloche Productions. We’ve green lighted our first project and we’re so excited to see the production fund entry submissions for the next project, when they open in July.”