Movies
EUFF 2024 concludes Delhi chapter with acclaimed French drama story
Mumbai: The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) concluded its New Delhi chapter with a grand finale featuring Jim’s Story (Le Roman de Jim), the acclaimed French comedy-drama by Jean-Marie Larrieu and Arnaud Larrieu. Adapted from Pierric Bailly’s novel, the film captivated audiences with its profound exploration of relationships and fatherhood, earning thunderous applause at the screening. This cinematic masterpiece, which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, provided a fitting end to a festival celebrating Europe’s cultural richness and its deep connections with India.
The New Delhi edition showcased 26 award-winning films in 31 languages, drawing packed audiences for screenings, masterclasses, and insightful conversations. Themes ranged from complex human relationships to self-discovery, reflecting the universal language of cinema. The festival, curated in partnership with the European Union and its member states, reinforced the power of storytelling in fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Festival curator Veronica Flora expressed her gratitude, stating, “As we draw curtains on the New Delhi chapter of the 29th edition of the European Union Film Festival, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment. This festival has been a distinct exploration of diverse voices, cultures, and stories that transcend borders.” She encouraged audiences to join upcoming chapters in Kolkata and Hyderabad, adding, “The enthusiasm shown by everyone has been truly inspiring, transforming these screenings into immersive community experiences. As the New Delhi chapter concludes, we invite everyone to continue this journey in Kolkata and Hyderabad to seek out these cinematic gems, delve into their worlds, and embrace the diversity that enriches our lives.”
The festival’s New Delhi chapter featured films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. These films presented a spectrum of stories, including “What a Feeling” (Austria), “Employee of the Month” (Belgium), and “How is Katia?” (Ukraine).
After its resounding success in Delhi, EUFF 2024 now travels to Kolkata (27 November–13 December) and Hyderabad (6–15 December). Cinephiles are invited to experience this thoughtfully curated festival, a bridge of art and diplomacy, and immerse themselves in the best of European cinema.
Hindi
ZEE5, Applause announce new film Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa
Rajat Kapoor’s dark comedy thriller to stream on ZEE5 from April 10
MUMBAI: ZEE5 and Applause Entertainment have announced their next direct-to-digital collaboration, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a darkly comic whodunnit set to stream from April 10.
Produced in association with Mithya Talkies and written and directed by Rajat Kapoor, the film marks the latest addition to a growing slate of genre-diverse titles from the two partners. Their previous collaborations include dramas, psychological thrillers and dark comedies, with this outing leaning into a layered murder mystery.
The film features an ensemble cast including Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa and Saurabh Shukla, among others. The narrative promises a mix of satire, strained relationships and hidden tensions, inviting viewers to look beyond the crime to the dynamics that lead up to it.
ZEE5 business head hindi and chief channel officer Andtv Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has been instrumental in building a strong slate with titles such as Bloody Brothers, Mithya and Jab Khuli Kitaab. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, aligning with our focus on genre-led content that resonates with audiences.”
Applause Entertainment business head movies Sunil Chainani said, “This collaboration with ZEE5 continues to stand out for its diversity of genres and narrative styles. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa adds a sharp, darkly comic whodunnit to that mix, driven by Rajat Kapoor’s distinct voice.”
Sharing his creative approach, Rajat Kapoor said he was drawn to the emotional layers behind the genre. “I was interested not just in the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who appear close, yet carry unspoken tensions that eventually surface.”
The partnership between ZEE5 and Applause continues to build on a shared focus on distinctive storytelling, with each project exploring a different tone and genre.
With its mix of humour, tension and ensemble storytelling, the film aims to offer more than just a mystery. It promises a closer look at the secrets people keep, and the consequences when they finally come to light.
