Bollywood Dance Influences Shape ‘Romancing Sydney’

Brisbane (Queensland) [Australia], December 16: Prosya, the Brisbane-based production company behind the independent feature film Romancing Sydney, has announced the film’s global digital release, marking a significant milestone following its encouraging reception at multiple Indian film festivals. The romantic drama has been showcased at prominent platforms, including the Mumbai Chapter of the Jagran Film Festival and is scheduled to screen at the Chennai Film Festival on December 18, 2025. The film has also earned Official Selection status at both the Chambal Film Festival and the New Delhi Film Festival.

Directed by Anmol Mishra, Romancing Sydney is an 83-minute romantic drama that explores the intricacies of modern relationships and emotional vulnerability through a series of interconnected stories. Set against the vibrant urban backdrop of Sydney, Australia, the film presents a contemporary take on love, identity, and human connection.

A defining creative feature of Romancing Sydney is its expressive use of dance as a storytelling device. Drawing inspiration from Indian cinema—particularly Bollywood’s long-standing tradition of using music and movement to externalise emotion—the film incorporates fantasy-like dance sequences including salsa, ballroom, contemporary styles, and waltz. Notably, the film’s original trailer is entirely dialogue-free, relying solely on choreography, music, and visual montage to convey its emotional core.

“The heart of storytelling beats universally, but the rhythm often changes,” said director Anmol Mishra. “While we aimed to tell a story that resonates across cultures, I was deeply inspired by Indian cinema and the powerful way Bollywood uses dance to express characters’ inner worlds. We hope these artistic choices connect strongly with Indian audiences while offering a fresh interpretation of the classic romance genre.”

The film features a diverse ensemble cast drawn from Australian theatre, film, and television. Veteran performers Peter Hayes and Gabrielle Chan bring depth and maturity to the narrative, while professional ballet dancer Connor Dowling makes his acting debut in a prominent role, adding a distinctive physical expressiveness to the film’s visual language.

Romancing Sydney follows six individuals navigating love, personal truth, and life-altering decisions. George and Lilli share a complicated dynamic within an antique shop, shaped by unspoken secrets. Elisa, a dancer struggling with visa uncertainties, forms an unexpected bond with Sachin, a naïve shop employee she meets by chance. Meanwhile, Zac and Alex confront emotional and familial pressures as Zac prepares to come out to his parents ahead of their wedding.

The film’s reception in India has highlighted its visual richness and unconventional narrative structure. Coverage at the Jagran Film Festival praised its immersive portrayal of Sydney and its emphasis on authentic human connection. Reviews have noted that the characters feel “true-to-life,” allowing audiences to empathise with or see themselves reflected in the story.

Romancing Sydney is now available for global streaming on major digital platforms, including Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Google Movies, positioning the film for broader international reach beyond the festival circuit.