Cannes: Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial debut, Masaan, which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, has won two awards — the FIPRESCI International Jury of Film Critics prize and the Promising Future prize in the Un Certain Regard section.
The film, starring Richa Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, Vicky Kaushal and Shweta Tripathi, had a five-minute-long standing ovation during its screening last week. Set in Varanasi, it follows the stories of four people from a small town.
“I’m ecstatic to win these two awards for India and the team of Masaan more than myself. This was long overdue. We had a truly global team that was purely driven by passion and utmost honesty, which has gotten us this far. I can’t wait to show this film in India,” Ghaywan said in a statement.
Ghaywan, who worked with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap as an assistant director on Gangs Of Wasseypur and second unit director on Ugly, also thanked the director.
“#MASAAN just won the FIPRESCI award for Un Certain Regard at @Festival_Cannes! This was long due for India,” Ghaywan posted on Twitter.
“2nd award for India!! #MASAAN most promising newcomer! See @anuragkashyap72 what your mentorship has got me to,” the first-time director added.
Chadha also took to twitter to share her excitement.
“This is the best day! Keeps getting better. My God. #MasaanAtCannes is coming home with 2 awards. Thrilled. Thank you everyone for the wishes,” the actress wrote.
Masaan is an Indo-French co-production by Manish Mundra, Macassar Productions, Phantom Films, Sikhya Entertainment and French production company Pathe International.
Members of the Indian film fraternity congratulated the cast and crew of Masaan for their incredible journey at Cannes.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi wrote, “Congrats.”
“Congratulations to the entire team of #Masaan for the double win at Cannes. @ghaywan @ManMundra @anuragkashyap72 @guneetm,” director Onir tweeted.
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana said, “Congrats Grover Saab! And the entire team. So proud.”
The top prizes for the main competition at the festival will be awarded on Sunday night during the closing ceremony at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Jury presidents Joel and Ethan Coen will announce the winners.
