Some love stories are so extraordinary that calling them simply “stories” feels inadequate. One such tale is The Cycle of Love, which UK audiences can finally experience in theatres starting 18 September 2026.
Dogwoof has just released the trailer for this captivating film, directed by Academy Award-winning Orlando von Einsiedel and executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas through her Purple Pebble Pictures banner.
The film will premiere worldwide at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival and will then be available in cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
Set in 1975, the story follows PK Mahanandia, a 23-year-old street artist from Odisha. Born into an “untouchable” family, he lived in Delhi, earning a living by drawing portraits of passers-by.
One day, a young Swedish woman named Charlotte “Lotta” Von Schedvin sat for her portrait, instantly capturing his heart.
An astrologer had told PK that he would marry a Taurus woman who played music, owned a jungle, and came from a faraway land. Looking at Lotta, he recognised every detail of that prophecy.
After a brief but passionate romance, Lotta returned to Sweden. PK, unable to buy a plane ticket and unwilling to accept the end of their story, took matters into his own hands. He bought a second-hand bicycle, strapped his paintbrushes to it, and set off on an incredible journey from Delhi to Gothenburg in January 1977.
That journey covered 6,000 miles, passed through 11 countries, and took him 4.5 months. Upon reaching Sweden, his love for Lotta awaited him.
They have been together ever since—married for nearly five decades and now with children and grandchildren. Their love story continues to be shared in India, celebrated as one of the most remarkable real-life romances.
The Cycle of Love beautifully brings this tale to life, thanks to the full support of PK and Lotta.
The filmmakers gained exclusive access to their personal archives, including photographs, home videos, and handwritten love letters that have never been publicly seen. This intimate connection shines through in every frame of the trailer, lending the film an authenticity and warmth that production design alone could never replicate.
Chirag Benedict Lobo plays PK. The Mumbai-born British actor, known for his roles in the West End’s Life of Pi and ITV’s Endeavour, is a meaningful choice for the role, as he represents the rich tapestry of British South Asian storytelling.
Early reviews highlight Lobo’s performance as heartfelt, showcasing a young man fully committed to love, undeterred by the daunting nature of his quest.
Director Orlando von Einsiedel brings the same passion and moral clarity that earned him acclaim for films like Virunga and The White Helmets.
His team had the unique opportunity to work on a real love story, featuring real people who are still here to witness their narrative unfold on screen. From the looks of the trailer, it seems this film genuinely earns its emotional moments rather than manufacturing them.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s involvement as an executive producer isn’t just a promotional tactic; it reflects a commitment to telling meaningful stories about South Asian culture that often struggle to find a global platform.
Films like Ventilator, Pahuna, and Firebrand have previously showcased this mission. The Cycle of Love fits perfectly into that mould, a tale steeped in the essence of Indian folklore and destiny, now reaching mainstream UK cinema audiences through one of the most prominent South Asian voices in entertainment.
For British South Asian viewers, the themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to chase one’s heart across seemingly insurmountable distances resonate deeply.
PK rode his bike six thousand miles, fuelled by a belief in love, and this belief may be as central to the film as the love story itself.
The Cycle of Love opens in UK cinemas on 18 September 2026. Against a backdrop often dominated by prestige films and sequels, it stands out as a rare true story told with care about an ordinary man who dared to believe that love knows no geographical boundaries.