Amazon MGM Studios’ Amazon Original Movie Phoolan received a standing ovation following its World Premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 17, 2026.
Directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker Richie Mehta, the action drama was screened in TIFF’s Special Presentation section before a packed audience of more than 2,000 at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre.
Based on Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen, published by Editions Robert Laffont, the film focuses on a defining 48-hour period in her life. The story follows a young Phoolan Devi as she faces a brutal siege and confronts an armed group of around 2,000 men.
The film explores themes of resilience, dignity, identity and the struggle to claim one’s own voice, while attempting to present Phoolan Devi beyond the mythology surrounding her public image.
Speaking about the premiere, writer-director and producer Richie Mehta said the film was an effort to approach Phoolan Devi’s story with honesty and focus on the person behind the legend. He also highlighted Amazon MGM Studios’ support for the project and its role in giving the story a global platform.
Shilangi Mukherji, Director & Head of SVOD Business, Prime Video, India, said the collaboration with Mehta builds on their earlier work on Poacher. She noted that his approach to storytelling prioritises authenticity and avoids sensationalising difficult subjects, adding that Phoolan carries themes that can connect with audiences beyond India.
The film is produced by Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kishor Arora, Kanwal Kohli and Richie Mehta under the banner of Namah Pictures.
The World Premiere was attended by members of the cast and creative team, including Sneha Kumari, who plays Phoolan Devi, along with Anurag Thakur, Aakash Dahiya and Vikram Pratap Singh. Richie Mehta and the film’s producers also attended the premiere.
Following its TIFF debut, Phoolan is set to premiere on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide at a later date.