Three Indian films, including Anurag Kashyap’s Mukkabaaz (The Brawler) and Hansal Mehta’s Omerta, will represent the country at the 42nd edition of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival where works from the US, Britain, France, Germany and Spain will also be shown from September 7-17.
As part of Special Presentations, Mukkabaaz (The Brawler) will have its world premiere, as also The Hungry by Bornila Chatterjee.
“And team Mukkabaaz is going to TIFF 2017,” Kashyap posted on Facebook.
National Award-winning filmmaker Mehta’s Omerta, starring National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao, will have its world premiere at Tiff in the Special Presentations Opening Film category.
Mehta said in a statement: “Omerta is my most provocative film so far. It is a chilling political thriller — a reminder of the volatile times we live in. I’m delighted for the entire team that has patiently and diligently worked on this very difficult film.”
“I’m extremely happy that it’s been selected for Tiff. After Shahid, it’s my next film that’s been selected for this prestigious film festival,” said Rao.
“Omerta has a very universal connect. It talks about issues that everyone in the world can relate to, especially in the times that we are living in and I think it’s mine and Hansal Sir’s most explosive film together till date.”
For producer Nahid Khan, who is making her debut at Tiff with Omerta, it is a big moment.
Producer Shailesh Singh, who has teamed up with Mehta and Rao again after Shahid and Aligarh, said: “It is a wonderful feeling.”
As part of the Special Presentations Closing Film, Victoria and Abdul by Stephen Frears will have its North American premiere. It is Indian actor Ali Fazal’s Hollywood leading debut.
