Australian–Indian Feature Drama

The Colour of Darkness

A woman’s search for truth reveals racism, caste, and the shadows society refuses to face.

An Australian–Indian journalist investigates the attack on an Indian student in Melbourne, opening a deeper story of identity, prejudice, caste, memory and human dignity across Australia and India.

Watch Trailer About the Film Watch / Platforms View EPK

The Colour of Darkness poster artwork with festival laurels

About the film

A story across two worlds.

Written, directed and scored by Girish Makwana, The Colour of Darkness connects the modern reality of racial violence in Australia with the long shadow of caste discrimination in India.

When Maria, an Australian–Indian journalist, begins investigating the violent attack on an Indian student in Melbourne, she expects to uncover a story about racism. Instead, her search leads her into a deeper and more painful history.

Her journey brings her into contact with Giriraj, whose life and family history reveal the continuing wounds of caste, social hierarchy, and inherited silence in India.

Across two continents, the film asks whether societies can truly move forward without confronting the darkness they carry within.

Writer / DirectorGirish Makwana

ProducerLorraine Grigg

MusicGirish Makwana

CountriesAustralia / India

Maria and Giriraj at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne

Synopsis

The truth behind the darkness.

The Colour of Darkness official poster artwork

Australian–Indian journalist Maria investigates the violent attack on an Indian student in Melbourne and crosses paths with Giriraj, uncovering a deeper story that connects racism in Australia with caste discrimination in India. As her search moves between Melbourne and Gujarat, The Colour of Darkness reveals painful truths about identity, migration, social hierarchy, memory, and human dignity — asking whether truth can be faced without first confronting silence.

Cast & Crew

Principal cast and key creatives.

The film brings together Australian and Indian performers, crew, and creative collaborators.

Vidya Makan

Maria

Sahil Saluja

Giriraj

Sanjeet Pahil

Jaydeep

Derryn Hinch

Petre McCallum

Michelle Celebicanin

Sherley O’Neill

Davini Malcolm

Margaret

Writer / Director / Music

Girish Makwana

Producer

Lorraine Grigg

Cinematography

Randev Bhaduri, Alex Power, Fabio Capodivento

Trailer & Clips

Official trailer and media.

Watch the official trailer and selected behind-the-scenes interviews from the film’s journey.

Melbourne city street from The Colour of Darkness

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Watch the Official Trailer Official trailer opens directly on YouTube

Watch Official Trailer NDTV / Prime Time Open EPK PDF

Music

Original music by Girish Makwana

The score and songs blend cinematic orchestration, Indian classical colour, and cross-cultural emotion — carrying the film’s themes of memory, longing, displacement and resilience.

Girish Makwana orchestral performance — Girish Makwana — orchestral / ensemble performance

Orchestra and conductor — Orchestral performance journey

Listen to the soundtrack

Songs such as Naina Tore, Ab Pal Beete Na and O Piya connect the dramatic world of the film with Girish Makwana’s wider musical journey.

♫Soundtrack AlbumApple Music / iTunes ▶All Songs PlaylistOfficial YouTube videos ★GK Makwana MusicYouTube channel

Naina / Naina ToreOfficial song videoOpen → Naina (Male)Official song videoOpen → Ab Pal Beete NaOfficial song videoOpen → O PiyaOfficial song videoOpen → Soundtrack ClipAdditional official videoOpen → Music ArticleBiren Kothari articleRead →

Festivals & Release

Festival & theatrical journey.

The film’s journey includes the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the 7th AACTA Awards feature-film competition listing, Indian Cine Film Festival jury recognition, international screenings, and theatrical release across Australia and India.

2016 · IFFM Premiere

Premiered / opened its public festival journey at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2016.

AACTA

Listed among the feature films in competition for the 7th AACTA Awards / Festival of Australian Film.

2017 · Indian Jury Award

Recognised at the 5th Indian Cine Film Festival, Mumbai, with Best Jury Award / Indian Jury Award recognition.

Dhaka

Screened at the 15th Dhaka International Film Festival, Bangladesh.

Rainbow

18th Rainbow Film Festival 2017, London — official selection.

IGFF

International Gujarati Film Festival 2018 — official selection / screening journey.

OzFlix

OzFlix Independent Film Awards / The Ozzies recognition.

Theatrical Release

Released theatrically in Australia and India, with media coverage and cinema display across the release journey.

Opening Melbourne premiere group photo at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2016 — Opening Melbourne premiere — Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2016

Best Film Jury Award plaque from the 5th Indian Cine Film Festival 2017 — Best Film Jury Award — Indian Cine Film Festival Mumbai

Dhaka International Film Festival backdrop — Dhaka International Film Festival

OzFlix stage interview — OzFlix Independent Film Awards / The Ozzies

Indian Cine Film Festival jury award team — Indian Cine Film Festival award team

Indian premiere Ahmedabad event photo — Indian premiere — Ahmedabad

Press & Media

Press, interviews and cultural conversation.

A curated selection of press coverage, interviews, and media links reflecting the film’s conversation around caste, racism, identity, migration, and the diaspora experience.