This Article is From Oct 31, 2015

Aligarh Opens Mumbai Film Fest, Director Feels 'Honoured'

Aligarh Opens Mumbai Film Fest, Director Feels 'Honoured'

Manoj Bajpayee and Hansal Mehta at the screening of Aligarh at Jio MAMI Festival.

Mumbai: National award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta's drama Aligarh, based on the life of a homosexual professor, opened to thundering applause in Mumbai at the 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on October 30. (Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee's Role in Aligarh Made Him a 'Better Person')

The film is based on the true story of Aligarh University professor S R Siras, who was sacked because of his sexual orientation.

Playing the 64-year-old character, actor Manoj Bajpayee left the audiences in awe with his flawless performance.

"It could easily be the best Indian film of the year," Suresh, a viewer told IANS.

Talking before the screening, Mr Mehta said, "It is an honour to have our film open the festival."

Besides the film's principal cast, the screening was also attended by actress Vidya Balan, her husband-producer Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Well known film archivist P K Nair also attended the screening and Mr Mehta personally thanked him for taking the effort and making his presence felt.

The film, which also stars Rajkummar Rao, was screened earlier this year at the Busan International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. (Also Read: Rajkummar Rao on Speaking Hindi With a Southern Accent in Aligarh)
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