Radhika Apte plays the lead in “Sister Midnight,” the 78th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nomination, which opens in theaters on May 23.

Alastair Clark, Anna Griffin, and Alan McAlex produced the movie, which was written and directed by Karan Kandhari.

In addition to Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Navya Sawant, Chhaya Kadam, and Smita Tambe are featured in the movie.

Sister Midnight was one of the most talked-about films at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for both Directors’ Fortnight and the Golden Camera award. It was also nominated for Outstanding British Debut at this year’s BAFTA.

Sister Midnight was well appreciated at festivals all over the world and won Best Picture in the Next Wave Award at Austin’s Fantastic Fest. It was also nominated for four British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

According to the press release from the film’s producers, the synopsis reads,

“Uma (Radhika Apte), who recently got married, tries to get used to life with her husband, Gopal (Ashok Pathak).” Her life is difficult in Mumbai, where they share a tiny room, particularly when Gopal goes off for hours at a time, leaving her penniless. With the assistance of her neighbor Sheetal (Chhaya Kadam), she reluctantly learns to cook.

After going to Gopal’s cousin’s wedding, however, the irate Uma’s situation changes. She becomes pale and slender after being bitten by a mosquito and starts to feel ill. She gradually develops a voracious appetite for animal blood. According to a press notice, “Uma must learn to embrace this transformation or face extinction,” even while others dread her.

Karan, the film’s director, also discussed the source of his inspiration.

“It began with the simple notion of what would happen on the first morning of an arranged marriage if the woman woke up and the husband left for work, leaving her alone without a handbook. According to a press statement, Karan said, “It’s really just about the fact that there is no manual for anything in life.”

He cites Buster Keaton, the renowned silent film performer, as a key inspiration.

“His ability to do so much with these nuanced facial expressions made him one of my heroes. In a press release, Karan said, “And just beyond that, what he could do as a filmmaker with a restricted frame and the body language and stuff…that’s my humour.”

Sister Midnight is Karan Kandhari’s directorial debut.