It is rare that a film gets invited to be a closing night film after a worldwide release. But Zareen Khan and Anshuman Jha-starrer Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele has bagged that honour. It will be played on the big screen in Boston as the closing night film at IIFFB 2021 on September 26.
Anshuman’s upcoming release, Midnight Delhi, which remained stuck with the censor board for over a year, has bagged a spot at the IIFFB too along with a spot at the Chicago South Asian International Film Festival. Directed by Rakesh Rawat, the film is a real-life crime narrative of the notorious Delhi serial killer who used to attack innocent people with a blade in his mouth and was later arrested for his crimes. The actor had thoroughly researched and prepped for this role.
As for the Harish Vyas-directed Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele, the film told the story of two homosexual individuals, played by Anshuman and Zareen, who embark on an accidental road trip together and form an unlikely friendship with each other. The film did the rounds of the festival circuit abroad for about two years before it was released in India direct-to-OTT in May.
Speaking about this feat, Anshuman says, “Midnight Delhi is a special film. It’s about one night in Delhi and this character, Blademan, took me to some dark places. I am grateful to IIFFB and CSAIFF for giving the film a platform. As for Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele, I am happy it will be on the big screen in Boston which is what it was meant for originally. Hope the LGBTQ community in Boston showers it with the same love that the 10million + viewers have on OTT.”
Image Source: Instagram/theanshumanjha/zareenkhan, IMDb, YouTube/DisneyPlus Hotstar_IN