Three Indian films, including Anurag Kashyap’s Mukkebaaz and Hansal Mehta’s Omerta, will represent the country at the 42nd edition of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) from September 7 to 17.
Mukkebaaz and The Hungry by Bornila Chatterjee will have their world premiere at the festival as part of the Special Presentations 2017 category. Works from the US, Britain, France, Germany and Spain will also be shown at the festival.
National Award-winning filmmaker Mehta’s Omerta, starring National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao, will have its world premiere at TIFF in the Special Presentations Opening Film category.
Mehta said in a statement, “Omerta is my most provocative film so far. It is a chilling political thriller – a reminder of the volatile times we live in. I’m delighted for the entire team that has patiently and diligently worked on this very difficult film.”
Excited about the world premiere at TIFF, Rao said, “I’m extremely happy that it’s been selected for TIFF. After Shahid, it’s my next film that’s been selected for this prestigious film festival.”
“Omerta has a very universal connect. It talks about issues that everyone in the world can relate to, especially in the times that we are living in and I think it’s mine and Hansal Sir’s most explosive film together till date,” Rao added.
As part of the Special Presentations Closing Film, Victoria and Abdul by Stephen Frears will have its North American Premiere. It is Indian actor Ali Fazal’s Hollywood lead debut.