A day after being pulled up by the Film Federation of India (FFI) for badmouthing the jury that chose The Good Road over his film, Lunchbox director Ritesh Batra was seen scrambling to make peace with the film body

In his response to the scathing letter from the FFI, Batra minced his words as he offered his 'wholehearted apology', but managed to squeeze in a request for a 'transparent, objective process' of selection for India's entry to the Oscars in future.

Rapped: MiD DAY yesterday carried a report on the scathing letter that the film body sent Ritesh Batra, chastising him for his derogatory remarks about the jury that snubbed his film while choosing India's entry to the Oscars this year. Batra had alleged that corruption had led to the selection of The Good Road

Batra's response to Film Federation
Dear Sir,
I just received your letter. Many industry stalwarts have made comments similar to mine but you sent the letter to me, a debutant filmmaker, but I am honoured and proud to speak for my film and team. If an apology is what you demand, you have it. Both you and the jury have my wholehearted apology. There was no intent to hurt anyone, but rather to participate in the debate that this decision ignited in the public domain.


I sincerely hope that the annual reactions to our Academy selections from the national press, and this year from even the international press, prompt a new policy for the selection.

Sir, please use your good offices to give us a transparent, objective process with a public and not a secret jury. It is a direct and humble request, not a criticism. I have moved on from this debate to focus on more productive pursuits and I would encourage everyone to do the same. With much respect for your tough job.
-- Ritesh