Hansal Mehta's 'Aligarh' wins applause at Busan Film Festival

Mumbai: Director Hansal Mehta's upcoming real life-inspired drama "Aligarh", starring Manoj Bajpayee, received an ovation after its world premiere at the ongoing 20th Busan International Film Festival.

The 47-year-old "Shahid" helmer took to Twitter to share the overwhelming response the film met with.

"Thank you #Busan for the overwhelming response to #Aligarh. Film got an ovation at the end. People were moved by the tale. Thank you!" Mehta tweeted.

"And yes, the big auditorium was PACKED. Really thank you #Busan for the love you showed to #Aligarh," he continued

"Aligarh" is based on the real life incident of Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was terminated from his job because of his sexual-orientation.

Siras, who was the professor of Marathi at the Aligarh Muslim University, later committed suicide. Bajpayee is playing the role of Siras in this movie, and National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao will be seen as a journalist in the film.

The 10-day festival (October 1-10) opened with "Masaan" famed actor Vicky Kaushal's "Zubaan", co-produced by Guneet Monga.

The festival will close with "Mountain Cry" directed by Larry Yang.