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Press Release |  11 Jan 2013 16:13 |  By RnMTeam

Internationally acclaimed film, Patang, flies with Vuclip as mobile partner

MUMBAI: Vuclip, the world's largest independent mobile video and media company, has been chosen as the official mobile video platform for promoting exclusive content from the movie, PATANG (The Kite). PATANG has already become the most internationally-celebrated film made in Gujarat in the past decade.  PATANG is the only Indian film this past year to receive the rare honor of 4 stars from the world’s most renowned film critic Roger Ebert and be selected as a New York Times Critics Pick. The film premiered at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival and featured in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival and Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. PATANG has won the SAIFF Rising Star Awards in the Best Film and Best Director categories, the Special Jury Award at the Osian’s Cinefan Film Festival 2012, and was judged the winner of Best Narrative Feature Film at the Hawaii International Film Festival, DC APA Film Festival and the Indy Film Festival. Clips from PATANG can be accessed on mobile phones at patang.vuclip.com.

Written, directed and edited by award winning director Prashant Bhargava and produced by Jaideep Punjabi, the film features National Award winner Seema Biswas who is known for her legendary performance in Bandit Queen and Water. PATANG also was the first feature to cast Nawazuddin Siddiqui, discovering his remarkable talent and sparking his career in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Kahaani, Talaash, Paan Singh Tomar, Peepli Live, Dev D, Miss Lovely and Firaaq. Nawazuddin, who plays an angry young wedding band-singer Chakku in PATANG, states, “For fifteen years, I waited for a role like 'Chakku' in PATANG - a profound and transformative experience. Since PATANG everything seems like child's play."

Playing the female lead role of a rebellious daughter of a Delhi businessman is Sugandha Garg, who has previously performed in films like Tere Bin Laden, My Name is Khan and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.  PATANG also features 35 local non-actors and actors from Ahmedabad introducing actors Mukund Shukla, Aakash Maherya and Hamid Shaikh.  Shot long before the upcoming Kai Po Che, PATANG - with its bold editing, vibrant cinematography, naturalistic acting and international musical collaborations - has pushed the boundaries of the new wave of India’s independent movement to new heights.

Commenting on the tie-up, Vuclip India Business director Nikhil Naik said, “It is encouraging to see how Vuclip is fast becoming the first choice for filmmakers for promoting movies on mobile. It excites us to bring refreshing and exclusive content such as PATANG to millions of our fans in India and the world over. Viewers can watch videos of interviews with their favorite actors Seema Biswas and Nawazuddin Siddiqui about the making of this film, as well as watch the official movie trailer and exclusive clips from the movie.”

Viewers can also watch the latest song video for Maaru Amdavad, which is an anthem for the old city of Ahmedabad, representing the pride, exuberance and joy on the rooftops during India's largest kite festival, Uttarayan. The vocals have been rendered by Papon, lyrics are by Khaak, while the song has been performed, arranged and composed by Ben Horn, Copyflex & Papon. The song can be watched on any internet-enabled mobile phone via Vuclip.

With the tag line, ‘Hold on to your happiness,’ PATANG takes you on a poetic journey, weaving together the lives of six people transformed by the energy of India's largest kite festival, Uttarayan.  The entire film has been shot as an exhilarating community driven experience in the heart of Ahmedabad's old city with a local crew. The film's soundtrack is a global collaboration of cutting edge artists from Rio, Mumbai, Copenhagen and Delhi.

Says Prashant Bhargava, director of the movie, “We are honored that our first track from the movie, Maaru Amdavad, has been selected for showcase at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The timing is perfect, given that we shot this film in Gujarat during India’s largest kite festival of Uttarayan, which is coming up again on January 14th. Seven years in the making, I fell in love with people and spirit of Gujarat and the magic, joy and spectacle of the kite festival.  This film was made by the community for the community.  PATANG is a heartfelt drama where the interpersonal relationships are just like kites – always dueling and soaring. The power of celebration and the resilience of Gujarat is captured as one family faces its fractured relationships and fragile dreams. As a city dances without inhibition, fireworks blast and tukuls fly, PATANG offers a recipe of healing and renewal to one and all.  This is a film that every Gujarati must see - this film is yours - authentic and made with sheer love. By partnering with Vuclip, millions of viewers will now be able to watch and share clips from our movie on their mobile phones and spread this spirit of celebration.”

Yahoo! Movies calls the film “Gorgeous” and critic Roger Ebert “Masterful”, while India’s Rajeev Masand says it has “terrific performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Seema Biswas”, while celebrated composer Michael Nyman hails it as a "masterpiece”. PATANG is slated to release in India later this year and promises to delight the senses and nourish the spirit.

Vuclip has earlier promoted trailers of big ticket Hollywood movies such as SKYFALL, AMAZING SPIDERMAN, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, and AFTER EARTH, and also supported Bollywood movies such as KAANCHI, MUMBAI MIRROR and BUMBOO.

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