Rajkummar chose me for 'Citylights': Hansal Mehta

Rajkummar chose me for 'Citylights': Hansal Mehta
Monday, November 03, 2014 14:51 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
His award winning film "Citilights" wowed the movie enthusiasts at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) and the film's director Hansal Mehta says he got the opportunity to helm the film because of actor Rajkummar Rao, who plays the lead role in the movie about urban-rural migration, Produced by Fox Studios and Mahesh Bhatt, "Citylights" was screened Saturday and it is Mehta's second film to be screened at DIFF after "Shahid". The film, which released earlier this year, stars Rajkummar and Patralekha in the lead roles.

"I have worked with him and he is an actor who I believe is among the best in his generation. Rajkummar was cast before I was chosen for the film. So they had cast him and then he recommended my name as a director. So actually he chose me," Mehta told IANS in an interview.

Mehta, who had worked with Rajkummar in award-winning biopic "Shahid", "completely believes in the actor's talent".

In the recent past the director, who made his feature film debut with "Jayate" in 1997 followed by the 2000 release "Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar", impressed with "Shahid", a biopic on slain human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi. The film won him best director National Film Award.

Speaking about "Citylights", the director said: "The film is an adaptation of British film 'Metro Manila' and the rights were acquired by Fox and they also got the script written. I was commissioned to direct it.

"When I read the script, I felt like it was a good tale about urban-rural migration. It had the scope to tell a powerful story. I wanted to do it as the issue of rural-urban migration has always bothered me."

"Citylights" is the story of Deepak Singh, who is forced to migrate to Mumbai from Rajasthan with his wife and child. He soon discovers the complexities of city life and finds himself living on the streets.


Speaking about the festival, the filmmaker said: "The Dharamshala film festival is very special to me because the festival opened with 'Shahid', my previous film. It was the first film to be shown at the first season of DIFF."

"It's a lovely place to interact with other artists and to have an open interaction in the midst of the hills. Great crowds come to watch films here and they are very informed. It's like an educational benefit for the filmmakers. For me, a film festival is like a pilgrimage where we meet so many great people," he added.

Mehta also said that during the festival, he saw Avinash Arun's "Killa" and he thinks it is a "remarkable debut film".

The fest ended Sunday with the screening of Geetu Mohandas's "Liar's Dice", which is India's official entry for the 87th Oscars in the best foreign language film category.
Singham Again Wins the Monday Test with estimated collection of 17-18 Crores on Day 4!

Audiences are rallying behind Singham Again, making it their top choice this week. Following an impressive weekend collection that set box office records, Singham Again shows

Tuesday, November 05, 2024
Audiences Celebrate Diwali with Singham Again as the Film Roars on Weekend!

Rohit Shetty's highly anticipated cop-drama Singham Again has made a thunderous impact at the box office. The film, led by Ajay Devgn, drew massive crowds and raked in impressive

Monday, November 04, 2024
Samantha Ruth Prabhu De-Stresses with Intense Workouts and Explores Rajasthan's Beauty!

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently showcased her de-stressing ritual with some intense fitness training, proving once again that she's as strong as she is stunning. Taking to Instagram

Monday, November 04, 2024
Kriti Sanon and Rumoured Boyfriend Kabir Bahia Spotted at Mumbai Airport: Details Inside!

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who has been basking in the positive reception of her maiden production Do Patti, was recently spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday alongside her

Monday, November 04, 2024
Poojan Chhabra on building a strong connection with co-star Bhuvan Arora on the sets of Amazon MX Player's Fisaddi!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming platform, recently released the bromance drama, Fisaddi. Set in Allahabad University, the series follows the story of two

Monday, November 04, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT