'Sarvann' to be screened at film fest in New York

Priyanka Chopra's first Punjabi production "Sarvann" has been selected for screening at the New York International Film Festival (NYIFF) starting from April 30, and its team is excited.

The movie has been produced under her home banner Purple Pebble Pictures.

Karaan Guliani, who has directed the movie, said in an email: "I got the news from aunty Madhu Chopra. She forwarded me the mail from the NYIFF festival director. Of course, it feels great when your work is being appreciated. We all are happy to hear the news."

Staring Amrinder Gill, Simi Chahal and Ranjit Bawa, the story of the film revolves around the journey of an NRI boy Mithu who comes back to India in search of his roots and culture. The film released in India on January 13.

The director says it's the first time that a Punjabi film will be screened at NYIFF.

Asked if Priyanka's involvement helped to get such mileage for the film as she is popular in the US due to her show "Quantico", Guliani said: "Of course, 'Sarvann' was a talked about film because of Priyanka Chopra and it was bound to happen.

"She is an international icon and back home in India, everyone is proud of her. Also at the same time, there comes a huge responsibility with her name. I believe a film runs on its own merit, which is why the film was selected for this prestigious film festival."

NYIFF will open with Alankita Shrivastava's film "Lipstick Under My Burkha" and "Sarvann" will be screened on May 4. The festival will end on May 7.

--IANS

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