Set in the early 2000s amidst the hills of Meghalaya, ‘Whispers in the Haze’ follows two young girls, Anvi and Moromi, as they navigate the challenges of coming of age, sensuality, and insurgency. Their friendship, untouched by societal expectations, is suddenly fractured when Moromi disappears into the chaos of Guwahati, where separatist movements and bombings are rampant. As Anvi grapples with domestic unrest and the turmoil outside, she embarks on a desperate search for her friend. Their fleeting bond, now a haunting memory, weaves into an unending game of hide and seek, leaving behind only whispers in the haze.

Have you ever wondered who taught us the game of hide and seek? I mean, who introduced us to this game? I remember playing it as a child, but I can't recall who showed me how. As children, hide and seek was fun. But as we grow up, we lose friendships and lovers, and part ways with our dear ones, often without getting to say goodbye. Our entire lives become a game of hide and seek—sometimes we are the seekers, and sometimes we are the ones being sought. This game, once filled with joy, becomes a metaphor for life.
For adults, it’s no longer fun but a cycle of yearning, pining, and waiting. But for some of us, pining starts at a very young age. I still remember my first best friend, B. We were inseparable, sharing the same dreams and planning to attend the same college. But then, in the 3rd grade, we changed schools and lost touch. At that age, we grappled with many things—first crushes, fears, and the unspoken mysteries of growing up, periods, bras, etc. But we lived by our instincts, unburdened by the expectations society would later impose.
I often think about her. She was from Guwahati where separatist movements and bombings were rampant. My family visited often, especially my father for business. As a child, I was acutely aware of the constant danger and feared for my father's safety, though I never shared these fears with anyone, not even him. And well, for B, I never saw her after that. But those memories lingered eventually inspiring 'Whispers in the Haze.' This film is a homage to all who grew up amidst political strife and domestic unrest, living each day with the ever-present shadow of uncertainty.
This film is also a homage to all the fleeting friendships that became my temporary havens. Leaving home early, I sought refuge in the hearts of others. With each new city, I lost friends and found new ones.