It is time for nervous butterflies to flutter in superstar Aamir Khan's tummy once again this month as he continues to promote the release of 'Peepli Live' in UK theatres this Friday (September 24). Despite the normal concern generated by any film release, it should be stated that 'Peepli Live', directed by journalist and filmmaker Anusha Rizvi, has already been applauded in numerous film festivals across the world (Sundance - USA, Berlin and Melbourne) and has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars.
The film was previously released in India during Ramadaan and produced rave reviews from the Indian media and viewers, who were seduced by Rizvi's satiric script and a cast mainly made up of unknown actors in the world of Indian films. The unique formula behind the film's success seems to come from a combination of several elements ranging from an unusual but captivating script and a sound marketing strategy to the fact that Rizvi is herself a member of the media (which the screenplay focuses on) and of course that the film is associated with Aamir Khan, who the audience invariably associates with quality cinema.
The success of 'Peepli Live' throughout India has indeed resulted in the recovery of the film's production costs through the sole sale of its satellite rights almost immediately. Additionally, it motivated more than 500 villages named Peepli to write to producer Aamir Khan, thanking him for producing a film that placed the name 'Peepli' in the spotlight.
If you happen to live in the UK, make it a point not to miss this comic and touching moment of entertainment. For information on screenings in London and other UK theatres click here.
Visit the Peepli Live official website
Buy the Peepli Live soundtrack
Read our earlier blogpost on 'Peepli Live' at the Sundance Film Festival - including a video interview with Aamir Khan by thehollywoodreporter
Director: Anusha Rizvi
Screenwriter: Anusha Rizvi
Cast: Omkar Das, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raghuvir Yadav, Shalini Vatsa
Produced by: Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao
Coproducer: Ronnie Screwvala
Background score: Mathias Duplessy
Soundtrack: Indian Ocean