Ronnie Screwvala, the man behind UTV's success will speak at the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival on December 15 at a forum titled Operation Cultural Bridge which would also have the likes of filmmaker Oliver Stone, actor Richard Gere on the panel of speakers at this high profile forum with a Red Carpet walk into the Madinat Theatre.
The Ronnie Screvwala-led UTV has made a mark for itself in the recent years as the company has promoted and produced some of India's finest films that represent creative talent in all aspects. UTV's Rang De Basanti is India's official entry to the Academy Awards this year, and this reiterates UTV's position in defining New Age Hindi cinema. So, it comes as no surprise that Mr Screvwala has been chosen to represent our country in the global rostrum.
The Operation Cultural Bridge at the Dubai International Film Festival has been designed as a vehicle for the presentation of films that actively promote inter-cultural understanding, which thereby fosters cultural reconciliation. Mr Screvwala's sharp sense of what ticks the new generation, while his understanding and execution of being able to retain the values and ethics that are a core of the country's consciousness, will surely be an impetus to the entire panel.
In fact 'Rang De Basanti' recently made a clean sweep at GIFA with 8 awards as it bagged honors in the significant categories that include
Best Director- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Best Supporting Actress- Soha Ali Khan
Best Lyrics- Prasoon Joshi
Best Music & Best Background Score -A R Rahman
Best Screenplay-Rensil D'silva & Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Best Editing- P.S Bharati & Best Art Direction- Sameer Chanda
Says UTV's Ronnie Screwvala very aptly about RDB, "Rang De Basanti is not a mere blockbuster film, it's a revolution. It's a phenomenon, which will continue to make an impact for years to come. It's a guide to our country's youth". Rang De Basanti has not only been successful because of its perpetual stream of nominations and victories, but more importantly because it has managed to strike a chord with the youth. It has altered the manner in which they perceive their participation in being able to change the country's scenario.
Rang De Basanti is one of the very few films which manages to score full marks on the emotional, moral and technical fronts. And that's the very reason it left everyone awestruck at the Oscar Screening last week. Besides being India's official nomination in the category of Best Foreign Language Film, the film is also competing in seven other categories at the Oscars including Best Film, Direction, Cinematography, Screenplay, Editing, Art Direction and Sound Design at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.
Rang de Basanti has taken the aesthetics of Indian Film Making to the next bar of excellence, and is indeed a masterpiece to cherish for all the time to come.