Akshay backs regional cinema

This is a story of friendship between a teen waiter and a mentally-challenged old man, forcing us to rework our choices between chasing dreams and morality

The story of a young boy, Chumbak, directed by Sandeep Modi and featuring renowned lyricist Swanand Kirkire in the lead role and backed by actor Akshay Kumar, is heading to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which will be held between August 10 and 22.

It is a story of friendship between a 15-year-old waiter  Baalu and his chance encounter with a 45-year-old mentally challenged man, Prasanna, that forces him to make a choice between his dreams and morality.  Chumbak is the story of these two oddballs and their choices that shall shape their life. The film is presented by superstar Akshay Kumar, who was impressed with the movie when he saw it during a screening.

“I am really excited that our film has been selected at the IFFM and I am really looking forward to the response of Australian people. This is a film about two people, a 14-year-old boy and a 45-year-old elderly person. Metaphorically they represent the two polarities, which path to choose in life, the right or the wrong? What do you do at the crossroads, do good for yourself or what is good for everybody else? I am very happy that a superstar like Akshay Kumar has agreed to endorse our project and showcase a story that has universal appeal,” said Swanand. 

The multi-award-winning festival with the theme of inclusion is the southern hemisphere’s greatest annual celebration of Indian cinema. Each year the festival promises to offer the Australian and subcontinental  audience the opportunity to explore and engage with the diversity of Indian cinema in different languages.

The film is slated to release on July 27 in India and will have its Australian premiere at the festival this year.