‘Noblemen’, directed by debutante Vandana Kataria and starring Kunal Kapoor will have its Asian Premiere at South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ film festival – KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival. The film festival is scheduled to be held between May 23-27, 2018 at South Mumbai’s iconic theatres – Liberty Cinema and Metro Inox. The festival will screen 140 films from 45 countries, including 33 LGBTQ films from India.
“I’m very happy to know that our film has been selected to premiere at the KASHISH 2018. ‘Noblemen’ is a humble and honest attempt to highlight bullying and the effects it can cause on the society at large. I am sure our film will resonate with the audience,” says Kunal Kapoor.
Set in a posh boarding school the film is an adaptation of the play ‘Merchant of Venice’ by William Shakespeare. Kunal Kapoor plays a drama teacher in the film that deals with issues like bullying.
“We’re extremely honoured and delighted to be premiering our film ‘Noblemen’ at KASHISH 2018. We couldn’t have asked for a better platform, and to be one of the Centerpieces makes us proud. ‘Noblemen’ touches upon bullying, a social evil that exists not only in our schools and colleges, but also in our homes, our workplaces, and in society at large. Today we see it take all kinds of forms– as trolls on social media, as religious factions that force their agendas upon the public, and of late as politics of extremism. ‘Noblemen’ is one such story that shows the tussle between the bullied and their bullies. Set in an all boys boarding school it mirrors society’s current totalitarian drift,” says director Vandana Kataria
“The film makes a case against bullying and discrimination in all forms and KASHISH is a festival known for fostering inclusive message,” says Siddharth Kumar, vice-president, films and TV, Saregama India. The film is produced by Yoodlee Films, a division of Saregama
Sridhar Rangayan, festival director, says KASHISH is excited to host the Indian Premiere of ‘Noblemen’. “This year at KASHISH we are excited to be screening 6 Indian feature films, each one of them telling a different story, highlighting aspects of not only LGBTQ lives, but emotions of every human being. ‘Noblemen’ is one of those rare films that push the boundary, by being bold and gritty, yet remain sensitive and nuanced. You empathize with each of the characters and join them in a roller-coaster journey of happiness and anguish. We hope the audiences at KASHISH are not only entertained, but carry back a strong message,” says Sridhar Rangayan.