52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam: Manoj Bajpayee's Joram is well received at the film fest

We had reported earlier that Manoj Baypayee and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub's next, Joram, directed by Devashish Makhija, would have its world premiere at the 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on February 1. The film that was presented in the ‘Big Screen Competition’ section of the festival reportedly received an overwhelming response from the audience. 

Joram, which also stars Smita Tambe, Megha Mathur, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande, is a survival thriller about a displaced indigenous man. The cast and crew were present at the premiere, which included director/producer Devashish Makhija, actors Manoj, Zeeshan Ayyub and Smita, and producers Shariq Patel, Ashima Awasthi, Bhumika Tewari and Anupama Bose. 

Speaking after the premiere, Manoj said that he was touched by the overwhelming response that the film received. "I am happy that the story of Joram and its characters have struck a chord with audiences. It was an honour to be a part of the grand event in Rotterdam, and I was fortunate to meet other critically-acclaimed filmmakers whose films I want to experience."

Calling it an honour to witness his film being received so well by a global audience, Zeeshan Ayyub said, "This project is a dream come true in terms of the story and talent involved. So, it’s reassuring that stories told with honesty have an audience across the globe".

Terming it a privilege for his film to be screened for the first time before an audience as engaged, enthusiastic and emotional as the one at IFFR, Devashish said, "With a take-off as energising as this, we are hopeful that Joram has found wings that will help it soar."

This is the third time that Devasish and Manoj have collaborated together, and Joram is the director-producer's third film to be screened at IFFR, after Ajji and Bhonsle. It was also part of FBR section of the Viewing Room at NFDC’s Film Bazaar, 2022.

After two years of online editions, IFFR had an on-ground festival this year, which was planned at a grand scale. 

Directed and co-produced by Devashish Makhija, Joram stars Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, Megha Mathur, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande. Presented by Zee Studios, it is slated to release this year.