In May 2003, the first ever movie set in and around the seminal events of the Uttarakhand Movement was released to wide acclaim in Dehradun. "TERI SAUN" was written, produced, and directed by Anuj Joshi, a Mumbai-based television serials director. Madan Duklan, editor of Chitthe-Patri, wrote the songs and Alok Malasi served as the music composer on the soundtrack. Seasoned theatrical actors from the Uttarakhand Sanskritic Morcha of Dehradun were employed including Ramendra Kotnala, Durga Kukreti, Roshan Dhasmana, Rajni Duklan, Kulanana Ghyansala, Girish Sundriyal, Vineet Gairola, Gokul Panwar and others. Meanwhile, the parts of the hero Manav and heroine Mansi were played by Saksham Juyal and Pooja Rawat respectively.

While 70% of the dialogue transpires in Hindi, separate Garhwali and Kumaoni versions of the film were produced to authenticate the experiences of both identities within Uttarakhand. The soundtrack itself has already sold over 35,000 copies in the first fortnight of its release, setting a record for any Garhwali or Kumaoni film.

The movie itself blends facts about the movement including the events of 1994 with the fictional lives of the characters. While a love story brings the hero and heroine together in the first half of the film, the dark deeds of the Muzaffarnagar incident sends the characters down a more sombre path. Eventually, the hero after much inner strife is convinced to turn away from violence by the love of his family, teachers, and relatives and to continue the Uttarakhand struggle through peaceful and democratic means.

For more information on TERI SAUN and its soundtrack (through ANGWAL and SWAPN Music), please write to Sunil Kainthola at [email protected].