Two cheers for Nagesh in Berlin
Nagesh Kukunoor’s Dhanak revolving around 10-year old Pari (Hetal Gada), Chotu (Krrish Chhabria), her eightyear-old blind brother and their journey through Rajasthan has been honoured with The Grand Prix for Best Feature-length Film at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival. The Manish Mundra-produced film has also earned Special Mention for the Best Feature Film by the Children’s Jury in the Generation Kplus category.
An excited Nagesh, who was heading back from Berlin, admitted to Mirror that the victory is yet to sink in. “I think it will on the flight back. I thought Berlinale would be a regular affair but our first show, with 1200 viewers, was completely sold-out. And the applause continued long after the film ended!” he exulted. “My only regret is that instead of the kids, Hetal and Krrish, it was us adults hogging the limelight. I’ve promised to take them along for the next festival.”
When handing him the trophy, the Children’s Jury described Dhanak as a colourful, touching and entertaining film for all ages. “It perfectly summed up the idea of the film,” Nagesh asserted, saying he should have some clarity on the film’s Indian release once he’s back in Mumbai. “We’re hoping to release it this year.”
An excited Nagesh, who was heading back from Berlin, admitted to Mirror that the victory is yet to sink in. “I think it will on the flight back. I thought Berlinale would be a regular affair but our first show, with 1200 viewers, was completely sold-out. And the applause continued long after the film ended!” he exulted. “My only regret is that instead of the kids, Hetal and Krrish, it was us adults hogging the limelight. I’ve promised to take them along for the next festival.”
When handing him the trophy, the Children’s Jury described Dhanak as a colourful, touching and entertaining film for all ages. “It perfectly summed up the idea of the film,” Nagesh asserted, saying he should have some clarity on the film’s Indian release once he’s back in Mumbai. “We’re hoping to release it this year.”
Will Dhanak be the next The Lunchbox? “There’s a lot of interest from sales agents here,” he said. “After the win, that should intensify. The Lunchbox is more of an ‘adults’ drama while mine is a commercial film for all ages.”
