Malayali star Malavika Mohanan playing the lead
Oscar-nominated Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds will be screened at a world premiere at the 61st BFI London Film Festival to be held from October 4-15. The film has been completely shot in India.
Director of film classics such as Children of Heaven and Colour of Paradise roped in Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor’s younger brother Ishaan Khatter to play the lead role along with Malavika Mohanan. Malavika is a Malayali actress who made her debut in the Kerala film Pattam Pole opposite Dulquer Salmaan, son of Malayali mega star Mammootty.
Music has been composed by AR Rahman. The Chennai based Oscar winner also provided music for Majidi’s controversial film “Mohammad: Messenger of God”.
Sri Lankan filmmaker Somarathna Dissanayke, who is known for his extraordinary talent of working with children and made many films featuring kids in leading roles, has said Majidi is his main inspiration.
Majidi has said that he adores filmmakers like Satyajit Ray. “He represented India’s culture, rich heritage and the lives of common people to a global audience. These visions and images have stayed in my mind for years and cajoled me to make a film in India,” said the Iranian artiste referring to late Indian icon.
Beyond The Clouds is an official selection in the competition category of the London film festival.
The London festival has praised the film. “Acclaimed Iranian director Majid Majidi brings a powerful outsider eye to Mumbai in this compelling, visually stunning film driven by an extraordinary debut performance from Ishaan Khattar. Anil Mehta’s breathtaking cinematography and the evocative score by Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman bring additional depth to Majidi’s visionary filmmaking,” said a festival source.
Earlier, there was a buzz that actress Deepika Padukone had auditioned for the role, but things did not work out. I cannot help noticing the close facial resemblance between Deepika and Malavika. The latter, handpicked by Majidi himself, is a beauty in her own right. She has modelled for several brands that include travel magazine and fashion brands.
