Nagesh Kukunoor’s DHANAK shines at Berlin International Film Festival

National Award winning Filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor, who came to fame with IQBAL, has added another feather in his cap by winning laurels at the eminent Berlin International Film Festival. 

According to reports Nagesh Kukunoor’s sensitive Hindi film DHANAK portraying the heart rendering and poignant tale of eight-year-old blind boy and his sister promising him to retrieve his eye sight on his birthday has stunned not just the audience but the jury at the festival. The movie bagged two awards - The Grand Prix for the Best Feature-length film and the Special Mention for the Best Feature Film by The Children’s Jury for Generation Kplus, at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival.


Elated at the astounding success Nagesh Kukunoor said, “DHANAK’s journey has been as magical as the film’s story. To have this Berlinale honour be the culmination of a fantastic trip is what dreams are made of. Or maybe this is just the start of DHANAK’s next journey.” 

What is most commendable feat for DHANAK is that it was the only Indian feature film to be selected in the festival that competed in the Generation K plus category against films selected from across the world.

The film, co-produced by Manish Mundra, Kukunoor and Elahe Hiptoola, had its world premiere at the Berlinale, held from Feb 5 to 15. 

Co-producer Manish Mundra informed media that he was floored at the movie’s mind blowing reception. He said, “What was thrilling is that premiere screening was a packed house with all the 1,200 seats was sold out.”

“All the screenings of the film saw a fully packed house and cheering audience. At every screening, almost everyone stayed back for the Q&A and then mobbed the director outside the theatre,” he quipped. 

It may be noted that Nagesh Kukunoor has the reputation of winning multiple international awards including the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival for his film LAKSHMI.

Comments