The much awaited film 'RANG RASIYA', internationally known as the Colours of Passion, has been selected to be screened at two prestigious international film festivals. The film will be screened at the BFI's 52nd London Film Festival on 26th October and 30th October, 2008 followed by two screenings at the MIAAC Film Festival in New York, on 6th (Museum of Arts and Design) & 8th (Tribeca Cinemas) November, 2008 respectively. The London film festival is UK's largest public film event, screening films from 60 countries. It focused on screening a selection of strong titles from other European film festivals, including Cannes and Venice. The MIAAC film festival in New York on the other hand show cases the finest films of Indian independent and diaspora cinema to New York for seven years.
Directed by Ketan Mehta and produced by Deepa Sahi and Aanand Mahendroo, the film casts Randeep Hooda, Nandna Sen, Paresh Rawal, and Jim Boeven. Both strikingly beautiful and path breaking, Rang Rasiya charts the life of the great Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. Often celebrated as a reformer, Raja Ravi Varma wanted his art to be seen by the common man. Through his imagery he brought gods outside the confines of temples and places. The film also captures a love story of Shakespearean proportions'an intense tale of love betrayal and passion between the artist and his muse. Mehta's homage offers not only a spectacular insight into a turning point in Indian history, but also questions the freedom of the artist in contemporary society, exploring questions of moral policing, censorship and religious intolerance.
Deepa Sahi, whose company Maya Movies has co produced this film is also very enthusiastic about Rang Rasiya's selection in such prestigious film festivals. 'It is very gratifying that our film is being invited to prestigious festivals like the London Film Festival ' the largest film event of UK and New York Festival besides others! It was my desire to show a side of India that has not been dealt with before and all the hard work we have put into it is being recognized! I am delighted.' She says.
When asked about the festival screenings, Aanand Mahendroo, the co producer of the film said. 'Raja Ravi Varma redefined the way the Indians worshipped dressed and practiced their tradition. This man's story should be seen across the world. Keeping this in mind we decided to make it in two languages. Am glad that our work is being given its recognition'
Ketan Mehta is very happy on this occasion as he expresses his joy and says- 'It's a great honour that 'Colours of Passion' a.k.a 'Rang Rasiya' is selected by the London film festival and I look forward to seeing the film along with International audiences.'
Maya Movies was formed with the specific purpose of providing quality content for films, television and the infotainment industry worldwide. IT co-produced the Rising in 2005 and is currently producing 'Na Na Karte Pyar' with Nana Patekar and Hema Malini.
Infinity is a Film Production and Completion Guarantee Company that takes strategic co-production stakes in third party film content, as well as produces its own film projects. Infinity, promoted by Aanand Mahendroo and Mehool Parekh, is India's first and only indigenous completion guarantee provider, and the only one in Asia to have an independent underwriting and re-insurance arrangement. Having already completed Rang Rasiya a.k.a Colours of Passion as co-producer and with three projects in production as well as five in development, Infinity also has several co-productions in hand like 'Hands of the Dragon'(India's first martial arts film featuring the actors and action directors from Hollywood and Hong Kong) and 'The Gift Horse' (directed by the famous British director Ahmad Jamal), Infinity's first UK co-production, shooting next spring, is a wonderful family feel-good comedy.
