`Jalpari` to compete at Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Mumbai: `I Am Kalam` director Nila Madhab Panda`s second film `Jalpari - The Desert Mermaid` is in competition at the sixth edition of the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA). The filmmaker is excited.

"I am absolutely thrilled because the Asia Pacific Screen Awards is like the Oscars of Asia. It`s the biggest, in fact, in this continent and to be invited for a recognition like this is indeed a matter of great pride and honour," Panda said in a statement. The movie revolves around the adventures and misadventures of brother-sister duo Shreya and Sam, who visit their father`s village which is deprived of water - and women. Starring Harsh Mayar of "I Am Kalam" fame, along with Parvin Dabbas, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Suhasini Mulay, the movie introduces Lehar Khan and Krishang Trivedi. Sushil Kumar Agarwal of Ultra, which has produced "Jalpari", said: "We have believed in the film right from its inception and to see it being appreciated across the world makes us very happy." The movie will release in India July 20. IANS