Nila Madhab Panda's 'Halkaa' wins top honour at FIFEM fest

"Halkaa" by director Nila Madhab Panda, best known for "I am Kalam" and climate change film "Kadvi Hawa", has bagged the Grand Prix de Montreal award at the 21st Festival International du Film Pour Enfants de Montreal Film festival (FIFEM).

The film, which deals with the issue of open defecation, was selected among seven international children's films from different countries in the official competition of the festival held from March 8 to 11.

It stars child actor Tathastu as Pichku, who fights for the basic problem that he faces every day; defecating in the open amongst others.

Actors Ranvir Shorey and Paoli Dam plays Tathastu's parents in the film.

"It's a great honour that 'Halkaa' won the top award at its world premiere screening. The film has already been invited to six international film festivals. India is one of the largest youth populated countries, but we hardly produce children's cinema which is an irony," Panda said.

He said that the film can also viewed as a sequel to his National Award-winning film "I am Kalam" as it also follows a kid's journey to becoming a hero.

"I am sure audience will love this one as well. This is a family entertainer with amazing music from Shankar Ehsaan Loy," he added.