New Delhi: Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer 'The Buckingham Murders' will open the upcoming Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on October 27, the organisers announced on Tuesday.
Directed by Hansal Mehta, the moody procedural thriller is an exploration of grief, longing for closure, and captures the human cost of polarised times. The story follows cop and single mother Jasmeet Bhamra (Kareena), who recently lost her child in a shooting spree, as she transfers to a market town north of London and is assigned the case of a missing child.
Kareena said it's an honour that her film, also her maiden effort as a co-producer alongside Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, will open the festival.
"It's an honour for me as an actor and first-time co-producer that my film will open the Jio MAMI Mumbai film festival. It's a place where movies are celebrated and all creative art forms are honoured. Can’t be happier to have our film grace the stage at Jio MAMI. The Buckingham Murders is very special for me since it's my maiden voyage as a co-producer. Working with Hansal and Ektaa is a deeply satisfying and immersive process. We are only hoping our film will reach wider audiences and break barriers globally”.
Director Hansal Mehta said the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival has been home to him ever since 'Shahid'.
“The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival has been home to me ever since my rebirth as a filmmaker with Shahid. Coming back here with The Buckingham Murders as the opening film is indeed a proud moment for me personally. It's the story of South Asian communities settled outside India, and it is heartening to see the world take notice of the kind of cinema we are now capable of producing in India. This movie is our labour of love. It’s a thriller, but at the heart of it is a human story about people we may know. Our biggest superpower is our inherent storytelling abilities, and those combined with stellar performances from our extremely talented actors and cutting-edge technology make the South Asian film industry a force to be reckoned with," he said.
After its world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival last week, opening at Jio MAMI Mumbai Festival is special for producer Ekta Kapoor.
“I couldn't be more thrilled and honoured that 'The Buckingham Murders' graced the prestigious stage of the London Film Festival, and has now gone on to become the Opening Film at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival! It's a truly exhilarating moment for our film and for everyone who poured their heart and soul into making it a reality. These platforms represent a confluence of the best in cinema from around the world, and it's immensely gratifying to see our work recognized on this global stage. My collaboration with Hansal and Kareena is special, and seeing our work recognized and appreciated at such prestigious festivals is not only a validation of our creative efforts but also a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultures and connecting people," she said.
The movie also stars Ash Tandon, Ranveer Brar, and Keith Allen. It is penned by Aseem Arrora, Kashyap Kapoor, and Raghav Raj Kakker.
The Jio MAMI Mumbai International Film Festival will run from October 27 to November 5, 2023.