BOMBAY TIMES (September 23, 2019)

As the news of Zoya Akhtar-directed Gully Boy being selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards came, the team of the film erupted in joy and said, Apna Time Aayega, which is also one of the catchiest songs in the movie. The film, starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Siddhant Chaturvedi, is a story of an up-and-coming rapper, who grows up in a Mumbai slum and makes a mark despite all odds.

Ranveer, who played Muraad in the film, said, “Gully Boy echoed the voice of the streets, it will always be one of my most personal films. As always, I will keep striving towards making the flag of Hindi cinema fly high. I am very happy that the passionate hard work that our cast and crew put into creating Gully Boy is reaping rewards. It’s a proud moment for our entire team. I am especially proud of and happy for Zoya! Gully Boy is her (Tiger) baby, and I am blessed to have been a part of her maverick vision.”

He added, “With the love and support of our beloved audience, we are hoping to make a significant mark on the world stage.”

An elated Alia, who played the feisty Safeena, said, “Gully Boy as a film is really special to me. What’s even more special is that it has had such a long run. After releasing in February, it won at the Melbourne Film Festival, then it was also shown in Japan. Now, it’s been selected as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards. So, hereon, I just hope, pray and wish that we make it to the nomination and then win. This is a first and it’s a big deal for us. As a team, we are very excited.”

Siddhant, who garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of the character MC Sher in the film, declared “apna time aa gaya!” “It is a big moment for me… Gully Boy has been nominated as India’s official entry for the 92nd Academy Awards,” he said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me and a very special thanks to Zoya Akhtar, Ranveer Singh and the entire team of Gully Boy. Words cannot express my happiness, thank you everyone for the love and appreciation! Apna Time Aa Gaya!” Siddhant exclaimed.

Farhan Akhtar took to Twitter and thanked the Film Federation of India (FFI), which announced Gully Boy as India’s entry to Oscars. “Gully Boy has been selected as India’s official entry to the 92nd Oscar Awards. #apnatimeaayega. Thank you to the film federation and congratulations #Zoya @kagtireema @ritesh_sid @RanveerOfficial @aliaa08 @SiddhantChturvD @kalkikanmani and cast, crew and hip hop crew,” he wrote.

The movie also features Vijay Raaz, Kalki Koechlin, Vijay Varma and Amruta Subhash. Kalki expressed her excitement and tweeted, “Woweeeeeeeee! That is just the best.”

Amruta, who played Murad’s mother Razia, said she is overwhelmed. “My first film Shwaas was also India’s entry to the Oscar and now Gully Boy. I’m so overwhelmed. The film is close to my heart,” she said, adding, “I am thrilled, happy and excited. The subject, the making of the film is so universal. I am sure it will resonate and touch the hearts of everyone. It is great that this film will be representing us.”

Writer Reema Kagti said the team is “thrilled” with the selection. Vijay, whose portrayal of the enterprising Moeen in the film earned him critical acclaim, said getting selected as entry for the Academy Awards is a big deal. “This was unexpected. I am jumping in joy. We are happy that the whole nation has chosen our film and it is very exciting,” the actor said.