Movies of Aamir Khan and ‘awards’ have become synonymous even though the Bollywood’s perfectionist is always missing from the awards functions. Maintaining this tradition, the yet to release movie Peepli Live, the home production of Aamir Khan, has bagged its first award in the recently concluded 31st ‘Durban International Film Festival’. The movie has been named as the ‘Best First Feature Film’.

The much talked movie has been written and directed by Anusha Rizvi. This is her directorial debut. Peepli Live is a satire on the farmers’ suicides in India, which is followed by a peculiar media and political response.

On this achievement, Aamir Khan, the co-producer of the film says, “South Africa has always been lucky for me and I think it goes same for Peepli Live also. This is really great news to receive an award from such eminent juries”.

Commenting on the film, the International Jury stated, “Peepli Live is a well-thought and ambitious project covering some serious political issues in a very intelligent and entertaining manner. With some colorful characters, music, and images, the movie creates a delightful world that keeps the viewers engaged in it”.

Aamir added, “All the major film festivals across the world have received Peepli Live very nicely. It became the first Indian film to participate in the competition section at the reputed Sundance Film Festival. It was also well received in the UK and at the Berlin Film Festival”.

The festival at Durban was attended by filmmakers from all over the world, which took place from July 22 to August 1.

The jury at the Durban festival included producers Aihara Hiromi of Japan, South African academic, producer, and writer Bhekizizwe Peterson and Christoph Thoke of Germany.

Aamir further added, “This award is totally different as it comes from filmmakers and film people so it has a value. The film shows how our energy and resources are used only towards urban areas”.

Peepli Live stars actors Raghubir Yadav, Naseeruddin Shah, Omkar Das Manikpuri, Malaika Shenoy, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in important roles.

In South Africa, the Avalon Group will distribute the movie from August 13, the day it releases in India.

–Sampurn Wire