Manav Kaul, the celebrated Indian theatre director, playwright, author, actor, and filmmaker, is set to return to film direction after a hiatus of 13 years. He will be directing a Bollywood film adapted from his own book, Sakshatkar.

Kaul, born on December 19, 1976, in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, has had a diverse and successful career in the Indian entertainment industry. He began his journey in theatre, founding the Aranya theatre group in 2004. He has written and directed 13 plays, including notable works like Ilhaam, Park, and Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane. His work often explores themes of isolation, nostalgia, rootlessness, and existentialism.

Kaul made his directorial debut in film with Hansa in 2012, for which he also wrote the screenplay. The film, set in an unnamed Himalayan village, revolves around two siblings searching for their missing father. Hansa received critical acclaim and won awards at the Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema. In 2021, Kaul released his second film, Tathagat, which explores the theme of loneliness through the journey of a monk.

After his directorial debut with Hansa (2012), Manav directed his second film, Tathagat, which follows a monk questioning his renunciation and was released on Mubi. Kaul has also acted in several Bollywood films, including Kai Po Che!, Tumhari Sulu, and Saina. He received a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Tumhari Sulu.

Kaul's upcoming directorial venture is based on his 2024 book, Sakshatkar. He has adapted the book into a screenplay and set the film in the Himalayas. The movie is scheduled to go into production in Uttarakhand in November. In addition to directing, Kaul will also be acting in the film, alongside Kumud Mishra, Manasi Bhawalkar, and other theatre artists. Untouched locations in Kumaon and Garhwal have been finalized for the shoot.

Kaul describes the film as being "set in a fun zone, has good humour and a gripping story that will appeal to a wider audience". While he acknowledges the importance of the commercial aspect of filmmaking, his priority is to create a good film. He believes that if they deliver a quality product, it will find its audience.

Regarding his decision to return to directing after a long gap, Kaul states, "My goal is to create a scenario where I can direct more films with stories I'm passionate about... Now, I want to create a space where the audience can enjoy films – dekhte hain, bahut maza ayega! I am changing gear with this".