“Barfi!”, India’s official entry to the Oscars in the foreign language film category, won hearts at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) when it was screened on Thursday, evoking a standing ovation from the audience.

The jam packed auditorium also had the film’s lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in attendance.

“Produced by Disney UTV, the romantic-comedy film is directed by Anurag Basu and was screened at the festival in South Korea to a sold-out show,” a statement said.

Amrita Pandey, Executive Director, Syndication, International Distribution and Disney Media Distribution, Studios, Disney UTV, said, “Barfi!’s success proves that audiences all over are embracing Indian cinema. Audience are encouraging us as an industry to work with new ideas and subjects.

“The unprecedented response for the film across the globe in both traditional release markets and now newer markets is a step in the right direction. We were very encouraged with the response tonight and are looking forward to the theatrical release in South Korea.”

Ranbir, who essays a deaf and mute character named Murphy in the film, said, “We are thrilled by the amazing reception we have received from audience, who came from across the globe to attend the festival. We received a standing ovation at the end of the screening which was both exhilarating and humbling for us.

“Barfi! is a very special film for all of us involved. To see 4,000 people here at this screening is truly inspiring! Now we would like for people in Korea to come back with their loved ones to watch the film in theatres.”

Priyanka, who plays the autistic Jhilmil in the film, said, “I am excited to share the Barfi! experience with audiences from the world. Showcasing the film at the Busan International Film Festival was a special experience for all of us in the team. I am thrilled with the response received for the film and also for my performance. This was the first film festival to showcase Barfi! and I’m looking forward to many more!”

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