Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2016 began in Mumbai on Thursday night with a glittering opening ceremony that had the entire Bollywood in attendance. The festival aims to bring world cinema in Mumbai. While the focus this year is on Turkish cinema, and restored classics of Bimal Roy and Nassir Hussain, one of the key highlights was the opening film of this year.
A Death In The Gunj, directed by Konkona Sharma not only boasts of a spectacular cast like Om Puri, Kalki Koechelin and Vikrant Massey, but also marks Sen’s debut as a director. The film officially opened the festival on Friday night with its first screening at the Regal Cinema in Mumbai. A whole lot of ‘New Wave’ artistes made their way to the theatre and News18 asked Konkona about her transition from being an actor to holding the reigns as a director.
“It was a very liberating experience,” Konkona commented. “MAMI is a huge platform to showcase your cinematic talent and it is an honour to be the opening film of this year’s festival. My transition into a director was definitely terrifying because it brought a whole new set of responsibilities.”
On being asked how would she compare her challenges as an actor to that of a director, she said, “I have done over 40 films as an actor and have directed just one, so a comparison can’t be made between the two roles. However, I enjoy both.”
About her excitement, she quipped, “Nervous or excited doesn’t matter now as the film has been made and the end result is out there to be viewed.”
While Konkona might not be anxious, the film’s cast Kalki Koechelin, Jim Sarbh and Gulshan Deviah definitely were. “This film is very special and we couldn’t expect a better start for something as big as MAMI”, the actors said.
Actor Vicky Kaushal said, “I’m super excited to watch the film as it has so many great talents working together. It’ll be fun to watch all my friends up there, acting together.”
A Death in The Gunj also stars Tilotama Shome and Vikrant Massey in key roles.
The red carpet of the opening film beamed with excitement and lots of Bollywood stars. Interestingly, while most were ready to talk about their films, the festival - one thing that they all refrained from talking was about the ongoing ban on Pakistani artistes. While Kalki has made her stand clear earlier, none of the actors chose to pick a side on the ongoing debate.
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