An anonymous letter arrives at a local newspaper in a small town in northern India, pleading for rescue from a women’s community led by cult leader Maharaj. Detective Roohi, the only daughter of a legendary officer, is assigned to investigate the case. On her first day, a girl goes missing and is later found dead. While the circumstances clearly indicate gaslighting, sexual grooming, and organized abuse, Roohie struggles to find witnesses due to interference from community leader Nirmala and townspeople who are grateful to and revere Maharaj. Early on, Roohi’s father warned her never to trust anyone. Now, she must decide whom to trust and whom to suspect. Dedicated to those courageous enough to sever ties with cartels and break their silence, this fi lm by Bikas Ranjan Mishra was invited to the Discovery section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. BAYAAN was selected for the 2024 Asian Project Market. (CHOI Eun)