Bachchan's 'Aladin' to kick off South Asian film fest

New York, Oct 20 (IANS) A fantasy adventure "Aladin" starring Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan becomes the first Hindi film to kick off the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) here since its inception in 2004. Director Sujoy Ghosh says "it's like a wish come true".

"Aladin", that also stars Sanjay Dutt as Ringmaster, Riteish Deshmukh in the title role and debutante Jacqueline Fernandes as Jasmine, will be screened at The Paris Theatre on Oct 28.

"It is definitely a wish come true to be chosen as the opening film for SAIFF. A lot of people have worked over a period of a long time to make 'Aladin' and an honour like this fully makes it worthwhile. It's a great platform for an Indian film to be showcased to a global audience. I am grateful to SAIFF for making this happen for Aladin." said Ghosh.

"We are excited and honoured to kick off the weeklong festival with Sujoy Ghosh's first feature film," said Shilen Amin, SAIFF President, in a press statement.

"SAIFF's continuing mission is to discover new artists and provide an international platform to emerging independent South Asian filmmakers to showcase their creativity. Sujoy is exceptionally skilled in storytelling and brings the latest in Bollywood's foray into special effects, establishing never before seen practices in its film production history! Aladin will offer audiences a chance to see how films have changed and what is still to come out of our beloved film industry," added Amin.

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Aladin