PUNE: The directorial debut of actor Subodh Bhave - Katyar Kaljat Ghusli - based on the evergreen 1960s Marathi musical of the same name is in the race for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (Unesco) Fellini medal.

The film has already been selected for screening at the 46th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) starting in Goa from Friday. It also marks the acting debut of renowned playback singer Shankar Mahadevan.

Bhave told TOI on Wednesday, "The selection is definitely an honour. It is not just an achievement for the film but also for Indian classical music, natyasangeet besides being a befitting tribute to stalwarts like Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, Vasantrao Deshpande, Purshottam Darvhekar and Prabhakar Panshikar. I owe this to my team and the hard work that went into making this film."

Katyar Kaljat Ghusli revolves around the egoistic ambitions of a singer presented in the backdrop of two musical gharanas (schools) of Indian classical music. The film, just like its theatrical version, is drawing large crowds.

Nikhil Sane, producer of the film, said, "The Fellini medal is being given since 1995 at Cannes and Unesco brought it to India for the first time this year. It is a proud moment for me and Marathi cinema to be recognised at a global stage. I am happy that the jury comprising internationally known film personalities will get to watch Katyar Kaljat Ghusli."

Four Indian films and eight films from across the globe, including co-productions from Germany, the US, France, Canada, Pakistan, Serbia, Chile, Venezuela and Argentina, have been chosen to compete for the award.

Mahesh Kale, an accomplished vocalist of new generation, has played the character of 'Sadashiv' in the abridged version of the play which was revived by vocalist Rahul Deshpande, whose grandfather late Vasantrao Deshpande had immortalized the role of Khansaheb. For the celluloid version of Katyar, Kale has given playback for Subodh Bhave, who is essaying the role of 'Sadashiv' in this movie.

Kale told TOI, "After a very long time, music is the hero of the film while all the characters are co-stars. This happens very rarely in cinema. What is more exciting is that the youth of the country has appreciated it. I am thrilled and excited to see that Indian classical music which is our legacy is becoming 'cool' enough as it is appreciated by the youth. Being nominated for the Fellini medal is the icing on the cake."

The medal winner will be chosen not only on the basis of its artistic excellence but also be judged for its qualities of sensitivity to the human situation, promoting the dignity for all and cultivating a realistic hope of creative transformation.

