British-French-German drama film “I, Daniel Blake” is set to release in India after bagging the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.
Directed by Ken Loach, the film will release through entertainment company PVR’s theatre on demand initiative — Vkaao.
Actor-Producer Abhay Deol and Srinivasan Narayanan, former festival director of the Mumbai Film Festival, are the force behind bringing the film into the country.
“The film is simple, straightforward and brutally honest. ‘I, Daniel Blake’ illustrates how far away we’ve moved from our humanity and is relatable to everyone. The film is a masterpiece and a testament to the apathy that pervades a world that values money over life. When Mr.Narayanan brought me this film, I wanted to be a part of bringing it to a larger audience in the region and am glad am able to do so,” Abhay said in a statement.
The film tells the story of a 59-year-old carpenter recovering from a heart attack, who befriends a single mother and her two kids as they navigate their way through the impersonal, Kafkaesque benefits system.
Speaking about the film Narayanan said: “I think it is about time that films like ‘I, Daniel Blake’ are released in the country. It is not only a fabulous film, but also so relevant. I am glad a strong independent voice like Abhay is backing the film and we are able to release it in theatres. Hope that audiences in the country book their tickets through Vkaoo and make this initiative a success,” he added.
