Hansal Mehta's 'Aligarh' to screen at BFI London Film Festival

Mumbai: National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta's upcoming film "Aligarh" will be screened at the 59th BFI London Film Festival.

The movie, starring Manoj Bajpai and Rajkummar Rao, will play as part of the Festival's Debate strand: 'Riveting films that amplify, scrutinise and surprise'.

"I am touched and very grateful that BFI has positioned 'Aligarh' in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film," Mehta said in a statement.

The movie draws from a real incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh, where a professor (Bajpayee) is suspended by his University for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation.

A young journalist (Rao) investigates his first breaking story and the two strike an unlikely friendship that changes them forever.

"Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audiences will definitely respond to," Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director said.

"Aligarh" will also have its world premiere at the forthcoming Busan International Film Festival.

"At Eros, we take pride in producing films like 'Aligarh', that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant and beautiful film and it's screenings at BFI and Busan prove that such films will always find an audience," producer Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said.

The 59th BFI London Film Festival runs from 7-18 October.