Celebrated Indian filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s latest cinematic masterpiece, Mirzya, received its Gala Premiere at the 60th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® on Thursday 6th October.
International actor Anil Kapoor, the father of the lead star Harshvardhan Kapoor, and his sister, Bollywood actress and India’s style icon Sonam Kapoor, walked the Red Carpet along with leading lady Saiyami Kher, co-star Art Malik, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, producer Rohit Khattar, amongst others.
Mehra’s accomplished body of work includes critically hailed sports biopic, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and celebrated Indian drama, Rang De Basanti – BAFTA-nominated for Best Foreign Language Film and India’s official selection for entry to the Academy Awards. Says Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, “It cannot get more exciting than this. ‘Mirzya’ now has the perfect partner in BFI – needless to say it’s an honor to have a Premiere at the London Film Festival.”
Mirzya is presented and produced by Cinestaan Film Company and ROMP Pictures. Says Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman, Cinestaan, “We are delighted that Mirzya has had its Gala Screening at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival, and thrilled that the rest of the world will be able to see it from October 7.”
Mirzya embodies new age Indian cinema at its finest, introducing a new generation of acting talent in principals, Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher, alongside Anuj Choudhry, all of whom make sweeping screen debuts in this compelling love story, based on the popular Punjabi folklore of Mirza-Sahiban, conveyed in the director’s inimitable style. Supporting them onscreen is Anjali Patil and a seasoned ensemble of internationally renowned veterans Art Malik, Om Puri and K.K. Rana.
Combining the crème of artistic talent from India with international counterparts to create a film that celebrates India and its rich history, Mirzya has been written by Academy and Grammy award-winning poet and lyricist, Gulzar, while the greatest Indian musical trio of contemporary times, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, has crafted a richly atmospheric soundtrack. Internationally, Polish Director of Photography, Pawel Dyllus, has exquisitely shot the film, featuring action sequences directed by Danny Baldwin (The Last Samurai) and special effects courtesy of Prana (Life of Pi, Transformers, Thor). The film unfolds through heightened drama and state-of-the-art action sequences against the visually arresting terrain of Rajasthan, juxtaposed with flashes of the fantastical universe of the folklore dimension amid the mountainous landscape of Ladakh.
Now in its 60th year, BFI London Film Festival is Britain’s leading film event and one of the world’s best film festivals. It introduces the finest new British and International films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience and attracts significant international film industry participation. LFF is a compelling combination of red carpet glamour, friendly audiences and vibrant exchange.
Mirzya releases worldwide on 7th October 2016
Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and
Produced by Cinestaan Film Company and ROMP Pictures
