I’m ecstatic: Neeraj Ghaywan on bagging awards at Cannes

“IÂ’m ecstatic to win these two awards for India and the team of ‘MasaanÂ’ more than myself. This was long overdue. We had a truly global team that was purely driven by passion and utmost honesty, which has gotten us this far. I can’t wait to show this film in India,” Ghaywan said in a statement.

Ghaywan, who worked with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap as an assistant director on “Gangs Of Wasseypur” and second unit director on “Ugly”, also thanked the latter.

“2nd award for India!! #MASAAN MOST PROMISING NEW COMER! See @anuragkashyap72 what your mentorship has got me to,” Ghaywan tweeted post his honour.

‘Masaan’ wins two top awards at Cannes

Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial debut “Masaan”, which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, has won two awards– FIPRESCI, International Jury of Film Critics prize and Promising Future prize in the Un Certain Regard section.

The film, starring Richa Chadda, Sanjay Mishra, Vicky Kaushal and Shweta Tripathi in the lead roles, has been creating buzz at the festival and was treated to a five-minute-long standing ovation during its screening recently by the hard to please Cannes audience.

“#MASAAN just won the FIPRESCI award for Un Certain Regard at @Festival_Cannes! This was long due for India,” Ghaywan posted on twitter.

“2nd award for India!! #MASAAN most promising newcomer! See @anuragkashyap72 what your mentorship has got me to,” the first-time director added.

Richa also took to twitter to share her excitement.

“This is the best day! Keeps getting better. My God. #MasaanAtCannes is coming home with 2 awards. Thrilled. Thank you everyone for the wishes,” the actress wrote.

“Masaan” has been produced by Manish Mundra, Macassar Productions, Phantom Films, Sikhya Entertainment and French production company Pathe International.

Some members of the Indian film fraternity congratulated the cast and crew of “Masaan” for their incredible journey at Cannes.

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi wrote, “Congrats.”

“Congratulations to the entire team of #Masaan for the double win at Cannes. @ghaywan @ManMundra @anuragkashyap72 @guneetm,” director Onir tweeted.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana said, “Congrats Grover Saab! And the entire team. So proud.”

(With agency Inputs)