Manoj Bajpayee’s The Fable bags Best Film at Leeds International Film Festival
Indian cinema makes its mark across the globe once again, as it is Manoj Bajpayee-starrer The Fable that went back with the Best Film title in the 38th Leeds International Film Festival in the UK. Spearheaded by acclaimed writer-director Raam Reddy, the film emerged triumphant in the Constellation Feature Film Competition, a category that celebrates trailblazing cinema from around the world.
A Magical Realism Masterpiece
“A lyrical homage to old tales passed through generations and made always prescient through the steady rhythms and undeniable truths of life.”.
The film was celebrated for the proper use of magical realism to address deep-seated issues like colonialism and labour relations. “Guiding the viewer through this real yet almost fairy-like land, the film spoke to notions of colonialism and labor through a gentle yet effective lens,” the jury noted in a statement.
The jury further emphasized the impact that is put on screen by saying it is “an inventive, entrancing film about stories carried by stars. They hope that audiences around the world will have the chance to see this magic on the big screen.”
Plot and Premise
The Fable is a US-Indian co-production, and the Indian Himalayas is its canvas. It tells the story of Dev, played by Manoj Bajpayee, who finds mysteriously burnt trees in his family’s sprawling fruit orchards. Efforts to contain the fires prove abortive as outbreaks keep happening, whereupon Dev has to face the bitter truth regarding himself and his family.
The film integrates the concrete and the fantastic, interweaving reality and magical realism, bringing an eloquent narrative across cultures.
Power-house performances are what Manoj was known for, so being proud of the film’s international recognition speaks volumes. “Working with director Raam Reddy, whose thoughtful storytelling and unique blend of magical realism added such depth to this project, has been a profound experience,” said Manoj.
He thanks his ensemble cast that includes Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, and Tillotama Shome for outstanding performances. “It is not only a victory for our film but also a boast for Indian cinema,” he says. “I hope The Fable continues to inspire and touch people around the world.”
Gratitude of a Visionary Director
Thanking the honor bestowed upon him, Director Raam Reddy said, “I want to dedicate this award to my amazing team whose sustained passion and effort over the years brought The Fable to life! ” said Reddy.
He also briefed on the producers of the project to be named as Pratap Reddy, Juhi Aggarwal, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain.
Executive Producer’s Joy
But the biggest gratitude was from the film’s executive producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, who, while celebrating the success of the film says that it stands as testimony to Raam Reddy’s vision and Manoj Bajpayee’s outstanding performance. “We are humbled to see our story resonate with audiences globally on such a magnificent platform. The magic of ‘magic realism’ has just begun!” Monga declared.
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Previous Awards: This is not the first award that The Fable has received. Last month, the film had also won the Special Jury Prize at 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, making it a much stronger standalone piece of Indian cinema.
An important milestone for Indian cinema:
More than a personal victory for the makers of The Fable at the Leeds International Film Festival is the growing testament, however, to how Indian storytelling’s increasingly influential outcomes are forcing the global cinema into new heights. The film not only entertains but provokes very important conversations by dealing with universal themes through innovative lenses.
As it travels across international film circuits, The Fable continues to remind the world that cinema will forever bridge cultural divides and tell stories which can strike a chord with universalities.
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