Kabir Singh dialogue writers Siddharth and Garima on Wednesday introduced Animal director Sandeep Reddy vanga as a “misunderstood feminist” at the trailer launch of their maiden directorial venture Dukaan.

Vanga hailed the screenwriter duo, who penned Animal’s Satranga song, as one of the best in business, saying he holds them in high regard. “I know Siddharth-Garima’s journey with this film….I think they are wonderful writers, one of the best in this country,” he said at the event.

The trailer of Dukaan features Monika Panwar, who shot to fame following her role as Gudiya in the Netflix series Jamtara: Sabka Number Aayega, as a young woman embarking on a journey as a surrogate mother. The film delves into crucial themes of dignity, freedom of choice and the autonomy of women engaged in commercial surrogacy. Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Monali Thakur also feature in the movie.

Known for the screenwriters of films like Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Ram-Leela, Siddharth and Garima have also written lyrics for Bajirao Mastani’s Pinga, Deewani Mastani and Mohe Rang Do Laal and Padmavat’s Nainowale Ne.

Speaking about their first film, the director duo said they aimed to navigate the emotional rollercoaster experienced by couples undertaking the journey of surrogacy while delving into the ethical and moral complexities often brushed aside in societal discourse. “We hope ‘Dukaan’ will spark meaningful conversations with its poignant social message, inviting audiences to join us in experiencing it on the big screen,” they said in a statement.

Produced by A Jhunjhunwala and S.K. Ahluwalia under the banner of Waveband Productions and Siddharth-Garima’s Kalamkaar Picture Productions, Dukaan will release theatrically on April 5 this year.