MID-DAY (November 10, 2017)

Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khattar knew he couldn't have asked for a better launch in the world of cinema when he bagged the lead role in Majid Majidi's 'Beyond The Clouds'. Now, the youngster has another reason to cheer - the Iranian auteur's drama has been selected to open this year's International Film Festival of India, which will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28.

The Oscar-nominated filmmaker, who makes his foray into Indian cinema with the trilingual, will be present for the screening along with Khattar, leading lady Malavika Mohanan, music maestro A R Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj, who has written dialogues for the Hindi version.

Sunit Tandon, festival director, IFFI, says that considering India forms the heart of Majidi's story, it is only fitting that the movie have a grand premiere in the country. "Majid Majidi is known for his masterly cinema dealing with the touching human bonds that emerge in the midst of adversity and human suffering. Beyond The Clouds continues this trajectory in an Indian setting, making it a reflection of the international outlook of this truly Indian film festival."

The man behind Children Of Heaven (1997) and Baran (2001), Majidi had caused quite a flutter early this year when he announced that his next was set in India. Deepika Padukone had auditioned for the female lead, but was pipped by Mohanan.