New Delhi: ‘Sanaa’ starring Radhika Madan recently opened the UK Asian Film Festival this year and garnered immense critical acclaim. Directed by National Award Winning Director Sudhanshu Saria, ‘Sanaa’ tells the story of a 28-year-old headstrong and ambitious woman working in Mumbai who is fighting an internal battle caused by unresolved trauma. Now making all of us and India proud, ‘Sanaa’ has bagged two major awards at the prestigious film festival. Film’s director Sudhanshu Saria has been honoured with the Best Director Award and Radhika Madan won the Best Actor category at this year’s UK Asian Film Festival.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, ‘Sanaa’ opened the festival at the BFI Southbank in London where both, director Sudhanshu Saria and lead actor Radhika Madan marked their presence. The Festival took place from 4th May – 14th May 2023 and saw cinema lovers from across the globe coming together.
Ecstatic with the win, film’s director and producer Sudhanshu Saria said in an official statement, "It's such a special moment for me and the entire team of Sanaa. While making this film, all we wanted to create was something which could resonate with the audiences and at the same time address an important subject. I’m happy that the festival and the audiences here liked and have so much appreciation to our film. My heart and soul are full today, smiles!”
Film’s lead star Radhika Madan also shared her excitement about winning the award and said, “Winning this has been such a big moment for me. I’m feeling so many emotions together. Receiving this award and all the love that came in from everyone for my character in Sanaa and for me personally, this can be the biggest treasure for any actor. Sudhanshu’s faith in me was extremely encouraging, which eventually pushed me to give my best. I’m grateful to the UK Asian Film Festival for this Honour.”
Earlier too, ‘Sanaa’ made headlines with its world premiere at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival where it was showered with immense love. The film also had its North American premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and received an exhilarating response.
The UK Asian Film Festival is organized by Tongues on Fire, a not-for-profit organization, and supported by the BFI and Arts Council England. The theme for this year is 'Celebrating Our Stories,' with a focus on films that centre on the British Asian experience.
A special film indeed, ‘Sanaa’ addresses the subject of mental health trauma and how it can affect us.
Produced by Sudhanshu Saria’s production house Four Line Films, the film also stars Soham Shah, Shikha Talsania, and Pooja Bhatt in key roles.