World sees Oscar-winning potential in 'The Lunchbox': Irrfan

Sep 13, 2013 IANS

Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Actor Irrfan's upcoming film "The Lunchbox" is being appreciated at film festivals across the world and he states that everyone whose opinion matters in international cinema, including the audiences, want "The Lunchbox" to become India's official entry into the Oscars.

On the foreign shores, Ritesh Batra's directorial venture has created a buzz - it went to the Toronto International Film Festival, and will be screened at the Zurich and London film festivals.

At Cannes this year, it won Critics' Week Viewers Choice Award.

"The opinion that critics and audiences have and also of those whose opinion matters, they believe if the film is sent from India (for the Oscars), it has the potential to travel forward," the 46-year-old said here Thursday in an interview.

" 'Hollywood Reporter' (tabloid) has also written that 'we expect the film to be Oscar entry from India'. So this is a possibility with the film. It has this strength, universal appeal, fresh language and story," he added.

Irrfan feels this is an opportunity that should not be missed out on.

"I personally feel that this is a huge opportunity and should not be missed out on. The right film should be chosen. It affects the environment, the upcoming generation, it becomes a source of inspiration, it builds our morale that our language can connect with the global world," Irrfan said.

"This perception is not right that only a certain types of films are made in India. Cinema is being explored and flourishing. So, this decision is very important," added Irrfan.

"The Lunchbox" also stars Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui and hits theatres in Sep 20.

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