Goutam Ghose’s Raahgir opens UKAFF 2021, London
Goutam Ghose’s latest film Raahgir...The Wayfarers (Hindi) is continuing its glorious journey in significant film festivals across the globe. Having its World Premiere at Busan International Film Festival and its India Premiere at MAMI – Mumbai Film Festival, the film has had its illustrious screenings at Shanghai International Film Festival, Cinemasia Film Festival - Netherlands, Kolkata International Film Festival and International Film Festival Of Kerala among others. The UK Asian Film Festival, May 26 – June 6, has selected the film as the Opening Film which will be screened physically in London. Pushpinder Chowdhury, Founder and CEO of UKAFF, says the reason for the selection of the Ghose directed film as the opener was the ray of hope it offered and undoubtedly has comparisons with the work of the master auteur Satyajit Ray. “There were many reasons behind selecting Raahgir as the festival’s opening film, there was a unanimous vote from our curator team. This year’s festival theme is Ray of Hope and we are also celebrating the centenary of Satyajit Ray. The story touches hearts, it shows empathy referencing real relatable instances and life struggles. It gives a message of even people that have nothing they still have so much to give. It is very fitting to the festival theme and during these difficult worldwide pandemic times. Raahgir by Goutam Ghose is inspired by the works of Satyajit Ray and it is an extremely well made film. These are real raw stories that need to be told and showcased worldwide. I would encourage producers to continue to support and produce films like these.” Shot in breathtaking locales of Jharkhand, the film starrs Adil Hussain (Life Of Pi, Mukti Bhawan) – Tillotama Shome (Death of the Gunj, Sir). – Neeraj Kabi (Ship Of Theseus, Sacred Games, Pataal Lok) and tells the tale of three strangers who live on a daily wage basis meeting in difficult conditions and teaming up for the cause of humanity. The film so far has received heartwarming responses from people in India and abroad and has been widely appreciated by media, both in India and internationally. Producer Amit Agarwal recounts an experience when actor Adil Hussain was practically unrecognizable. “I had to go back to Kolkata from Jharkhand and when I returned, I could not recognize Adil as he was in a labourer’s attire and he had a dark tan and was sitting in one corner. I realised that later when he walked up to me and spoke in English, “Mr Producer, do you recognize me?” I was stunned and he laughed heartily. He also added that his wife may not recognize him when he returned home after the schedule. Trust me, he could have been right, because I saw him when the shoot wrapped,” chuckles Agarwal.
The film, presented by Adarsh Telemedia, will travel to several other Film Festivals in 2021 and will have a commercial release when the market opens completely.
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