Ankur Hooda's 'The Calf Doll' Blends Parafiction and Family Memory in Rural Haryana
Ankur Hooda, an Indian filmmaker, makes his feature debut with The Calf Doll (Khaal Bachhda), a 91-minute hybrid parafiction created without a script. The narrative unfolds in Dayalpur, Haryana, centering on Master Satbir, portrayed by Hooda's grandfather, and Chameli Devi, his grandmother, as they navigate their sorrow following the stillbirth of their cow's calf. To support the family, the teacher resorts to an illegal tradition: crafting a life-sized calf doll. The film showcases winter scenes with a blue hue, features immersive sound design by Bigyna Dahal, and illustrations by Aarushi Jain. Hooda characterizes it as a fictional re-enactment of a true event. It debuted at CPH: DOX in Denmark, and Hooda received no funding or institutional backing. The interview was published on September 17, 2026.
Key facts
- The Calf Doll (Khaal Bachhda) is Ankur Hooda's feature debut, a 91-minute hybrid parafiction made without a script
- The film stars Hooda's grandfather Satbir Singh Hooda as Master Satbir and his grandmother Chameli Devi as versions of themselves
- The story centres on a retired school teacher in Dayalpur, Haryana, who crafts a life-size calf doll after his only cow delivers a stillborn calf
- Cinematography is by Anish Sarai and sound design by Bigyna Dahal
- Illustrator Aarushi Jain created the film's line drawings, title, and poster design
- The film premiered at CPH: DOX in Denmark and continues to screen internationally
- Hooda made the film without funding, professional backing, or institutional support
- The interview by Zohra Khan was published on September 17, 2026
Entities
Artists
- Ankur Hooda
- Satbir Singh Hooda
- Chameli Devi
- Anish Sarai
- Bigyna Dahal
- Aarushi Jain
- Zohra Khan
- Abbas Kiarostami
- Vandana Kalra
- Anmol Ahuja
- Yorgos Lanthimos
- Seamus Murphy
- Shezad Dawood
- Srishti Ojha
Institutions
- STIR
- CPH: DOX
- QissaGhar
- Emami Art Experimental Film Festival
- State Hermitage Museum
Locations
- Dayalpur
- Haryana
- India
- Denmark
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Russia
- London