Two Indian films make it to Berlinale Forum

Rajkummar Rao-starrer "Newton" by Amit V. Masurkar and "Loktak Lairembee" (Lady of the Lake) by Manipur's Haobam Paban Kumar are in the line-up of the 47th Berlinale Forum, which is a section of the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.

The Berlinale Forum is showing 43 films in its main programme, 29 of which are as world premieres and 10 as international premieres, read a post shared on Wednesday on the official site of the forum.

Soon after the announcement, Rajkummar tweeted: "So happy to share that our film 'Newton' will have its world premiere at Berlin international film festival."

The film will have a red carpet premiere with its cast and crew on February 10, during the opening weekend of the festival.

"Newton" is a sharp political black comedy that takes place on an election day in central India. Rajkummar plays Newton, a rookie clerk on election duty in a conflict-ridden jungle of Chhattisgarh, who tries his best to conduct free and fair voting despite the apathy of security forces and the looming fear of an attack by Maoist rebels.

The film also stars Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi and Raghubir Yadav. Produced by Manish Mundra, it will be screened in the International Forum of New Cinema, a section of the Berlinale featuring avant-garde, experimental works, political reportage and yet-to-be-discovered cinematic landscapes.

Masurkar, who has co-written and directed "Newton", said in a statement: "We are all excited to have a grand premiere of 'Newton' in Berlin. Newton is a political film with a generous helping of quirky, dark humour which reflects the absurdity of the world we live in. We're sure it will resonate with audiences at home and abroad."

Founder of Drishyam Films and the producer of "Newton", Mundra said: "'Newton' stands true to our vision of telling powerful stories that are rooted in our culture yet universal in their appeal."

Kumar's film "Loktak Lairembee" (Lady of the Lake), on the other hand, has been screened at various Indian film fests, including the prestigious International Film Festival of India. It had its world premiere in South Korea at the Busan International Film Festival.

The list includes films from Germany, Argentina, France, Israel, US, Japan, Phillipines, Canada and more.

--IANS

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