Outsider Pictures is bringing the critically acclaimed Indian Bengali-language film “Manikbabur Megh” (“The Cloud and the Man“) to U.S. shores on Aug. 9.
The film, which has been making waves in Bengal since its July 12 theatrical release, will initially open in Chicago and San Jose.
Directed by newcomer Abhinandan Banerjee, the film tells the story of Manik, a loner in Kolkata who forms an unlikely bond with a cloud. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, connection and transformation.
The film stars Chandan Sen in the lead role, supported by an ensemble including Debesh Roy Chowdhury and Bratya Basu.
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“The Cloud and the Man” has attracted considerable attention on the international festival circuit, screening at over 25 festivals including Tallinn Black Nights, Hong Kong, Edinburgh and Santa Barbara. It has also collected several awards, including the Netpac Award for Best Asian Film at the Kolkata International Film Festival.
Paul Hudson of Outsider Pictures said, “We acquired the film after meeting producer Monalisa at the Film Bazaar in Goa. We were intrigued by the concept of a love story between a man and a cloud.”
The film is produced by Bauddhayan and Monalisa Mukherji for Little Lamb Films, whose film “Whispers of Fire & Water,” directed by Lubdhak Chatterjee, also had a stellar festival run including stops at Locarno, Sao Paulo, Kerala and El Gouna.
Banerjee said, “The film was warmly received during our North American Premiere at Santa Barbara IFF. We knew we had an audience in the U.S. for a film like ours. We are now eagerly anticipating how the Indian diaspora and international audience alike react to our film.”
Bauddhayan and Monalisa Mukherji added, “We are thrilled to screen our film for the film-lovers of Chicago and San Jose. Calcuttans have showered their love on us. We wonder if Manikbabu will get the same admiration and adulation from the American audience. Looking forward.”
Outsider Pictures plans to expand the film’s release based on word-of-mouth. The distributor’s recent releases include “Adios Buenos Aires” and “Lullaby,” with “The Mother of All Lies” slated for upcoming release.
