Manoj Bajpayee on the sets of Aligarh. (Image courtesy: Hansal Mehta)
Mumbai:
National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta's upcoming film Aligarh will be screened at the 59th BFI London Film Festival. The movie, starring Manoj Bajpai and Rajkummar Rao, will play as part of the Festival's Debate strand - 'Riveting films that amplify, scrutinise and surprise'.
"I am touched and very grateful that BFI has positioned Aligarh in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film," Mr Mehta said in a statement. (Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee's Film Aligarh to Premiere at Busan Film Festival)
The movie draws from a real life incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh, where a professor (played by Manoj Bajpayee in the film) is suspended by the University for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation.
A young journalist (played by Rajkummar Rao) investigates the story and the two form an unlikely friendship that changes them forever.
"Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audiences will definitely respond to," Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director said. (Also Read: Aligarh Not Out-of-the-Box Story: Rajkummar Rao)
Aligarh will also have its world premiere at the forthcoming Busan International Film Festival.
"At Eros, we take pride in producing films like Aligarh, that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant and beautiful film and its screenings at BFI and Busan prove that such films will always find an audience," producer Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said.
The 59th BFI London Film Festival runs from 7-18 October.
"I am touched and very grateful that BFI has positioned Aligarh in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film," Mr Mehta said in a statement. (Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee's Film Aligarh to Premiere at Busan Film Festival)
The movie draws from a real life incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh, where a professor (played by Manoj Bajpayee in the film) is suspended by the University for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation.
A young journalist (played by Rajkummar Rao) investigates the story and the two form an unlikely friendship that changes them forever.
"Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audiences will definitely respond to," Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director said. (Also Read: Aligarh Not Out-of-the-Box Story: Rajkummar Rao)
Aligarh will also have its world premiere at the forthcoming Busan International Film Festival.
"At Eros, we take pride in producing films like Aligarh, that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant and beautiful film and its screenings at BFI and Busan prove that such films will always find an audience," producer Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said.
The 59th BFI London Film Festival runs from 7-18 October.
