In Satyajit Ray’s short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro, director Ananth Mahadevan found the perfect source material for The Storyteller. Add stellar actors Paresh Rawal, Revathy, Adil Hussain and Tannishtha Chatterjee to the mix, and it’s hardly surprising that Mahadevan’s film has been selected to compete for the Kim Jiseok Award at the ongoing Busan International Film Festival. “There aren’t enough words to express [my joy]. The film’s selection is a validation that what my entire team and I set out to make has been worth it,” beams the actor-director.

Ray’s short story revolves around a wealthy businessman who hires a storyteller to help get over his insomnia, but over time, the narrator’s tales turn more intriguing. The late writer-filmmaker explored a revenge drama within the simple premise. Mahadevan credits the legend for giving him a solid foundation on which he built his movie. “I am grateful to Satyajit Ray for giving the world such a special story. The beauty of Ray’s work is that it stays relevant through time. The film is a beautiful commentary on who is a storyteller and what constitutes inspiration.”

Last year, filmmaker-actor Aparna Sen made India proud as her film, The Rapist, won the Kim Jiseok Award. Quizzed about his film’s chances of bagging the award this year, Mahadevan says, “The selection at Busan is a huge award in itself. The ability to meet fellow filmmakers and see cinema from around the world excites me. If we win, that will be a bonus.”

Satyajit Ray and Ananth Mahadevan