'Aligarh' selected for 59th BFI London Film Festival

The film will play as part of the Festival's Debate strand: Riveting films that amplify, scrutinise and surprise.

National award winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta brings a sensitive, humane story from small town India with ‘Aligarh’.

Co-starring Manoj Bajpayee & Rajkummar Rao, the film draws from a real incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh.

A Professor (Manoj Bajpayee) is suspended by his University for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation. A young journalist (Rajkummar Rao) investigates his first breaking story. Set in the myriad dark lanes of a volatile, decadent society, the two strike an unlikely friendship that will change them forever.

The invite from Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director states, " Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audiences will definitely respond to."

The BFI is often a precursor for winners & celebrated gems from cinema across the world. Says Mehta, “I am touched & very grateful that BFI has positioned ‘Aligarh’ in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film.”

Producer Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said, “ At Eros, we take pride in producing films like ‘Aligarh’, that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant & beautiful film and it’s screenings at BFI & Busan prove that such films will always find an audience.”

Eros International presents Aligarh directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, produced by Eros International and Karma Pictures.