Neither representing Bollywood nor 'Titli' at Cannes: Dibakar Banerjee

Dibakar Banerjee

Filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee, also the co-producer of 'Titli' which is going to be premiered at upcoming Cannes festival, today said he is representing neither Bollywood nor his film at the event.

Dibakar Banerjee

'Titli' is an upcoming drama film directed by Kanu Behl and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films and Dibakar Banerjee Productions. The film is slated to make its world premiere in the 'Un Certain Regard' category at the 67th Cannes Film Festival which kicks off on May 14. "I am neither representing Bollywood in Cannes and nor 'Titli'.

Indian cinema when goes out of the country is presented as Indian cinema; Bollywood is just a sub-genre. There is a much larger market for world cinema," Dibakar said at a press conference of 'Titli' here. He said 'Titli' is not a Bollywood film but an Indian film. "YRF is presenting 'Titli' as a small gem from India rather than a big Bollywood extravaganza," Banerjee said. However, he is thrilled at the prospects of 'Titli' getting the global canvas at Cannes. "Our aim is to give a push to Titli and out it in full spotlight in Cannes.

Then we have a plan of taking 'Titli' to further festivals which will determine the world markets that are opening up for the film," he said. Banerjee said in the case of 'Titli' not going to Cannes, he would have ensured that the film got the best release in India. "As a producer, it is the responsibility to ensure that the film gets the maximum eyeballs and gets noticed (by) reviewers, industry leaders, distributors etc. so that the commercial prospects in the international market are plentiful," Banerjee said.

'Titli' revolves around the volatile relationship between two brothers - one of whom runs away from home to escape his oppressive family but turns to a life of crime. The film stars Ranvir Shorey, Amit Sial, Lalit Behl, newcomer Shashank Arora and others. When Banerjee read the draft of 'Titli' he felt to direct it.

"I don't know how to tell Kanu that I would want to direct your first film. I wasn't shameless enough to do that. Then the next thing to do is to get associated with the film as a producer. The script was amazing...got jealous and inspired," Banerjee said. "The most rewarding thing was the creative sessions that Sharat Katariya (who co-wrote the story), Kanu and me had and those inspired me in my other endeavours like 'Byomkesh Bakshi' and others. For me it was a good creative time," he added.