NEW DELHI — Two Indian films have made it in the Cannes 2013 program: Bombay Talkies and Monsoon Shootout. Both have a common link to well-known director Anurag Kashyap.
Another Indian link is seen in the Cinefondation jury (headed by Jane Campion), which includes actress Nandita Das. This marks her second turn as a jury member after she was invited to be on the jury for the Cannes 2005 festival.
Bombay Talkies – co-produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures – features a first of sorts: four short films by acclaimed Indian directors Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee. The four helmers offer their own take on India’s love for the movies to mark a century of Indian cinema. With India as guest country at Cannes this year, Bombay Talkies will get a gala “tribute to India” screening.
“I am extremely honored that our omnibus endeavor has been officially selected at Cannes. Can’t wait to walk the red carpet with Dibakar, Anurag and Zoya,” said Johar.
“I have never been to Cannes and I always felt if I go it should be with a film. Things worked out even better as it’s not just a film but also three friends Karan, Dibarkar and Anurag with me. It’s going to be a blast,” added Akhtar.
Amit Kumar‘s directorial debut Monsoon Shootout features in the midnight screening program. The project is co-produced by UK-based producer Trevor Ingman, director Asif Kapadia (Senna) Kashyap via his AKFPL banner and Indian film fund Dar Motion Pictures in association with Arte-France. International sales are handled by Fortissimo Films.
“It’s great to see these films in the program. Bombay Talkies is a tribute to Indian film audiences. Monsoon Shootout is a thriller in the vein of Rashomon (featuring alternative versions of the same incident),” Kashyap told THR. As soon as the program was announced, Kashyap was also active on Twitter posting, “Monsoon Shootout at midnight screening. Go Amit Kumar.” Similarly, London-based Kapadia tweeted, “Congrats Amit bhai (brother). I am proud of you!”
At last year’s festival, Kashyap also had a strong presence with his two-part epic Gangs of Wasseypur while his banner also co-produced Peddlers which screened in the Critics’ Week.
