Actor Ranveer Singh’s outrageous fashion is not the only news making the headlines from the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival. The actor’s upcoming film Gully Boy has been receiving praise from wide quarters, with some calling it Singh’s best performance. The film, which premiered at the festival, was screened on Saturday.
The film, loosely based on the life of rappers DIVINE and Naezy, depicts the rise and influence of rap and life on the streets of Mumbai. The film was received with great enthusiasm at the festival, leading to Cameron Bailey, artistic director of the Toronto International Film Festival, to share a tweet about the response.
‘Biggest cheers I’ve heard in 20+ years at the festival,’ Bailey wrote.
Another festival director, Smriti Kiran, of the MAMI international festival, also shared a video of the enthusiastic reception Singh received from the audience.
In addition to the audience, critics also seem to have taken well to the film. Variety stated, ‘“Gully Boy” revels in high-wattage screen chemistry and an inclusive social message, all served up in a slickly enjoyable production’.
Gully Boy is directed by Akhtar, and also features Alia Bhatt, Siddhanth Chaturvedi and Vijay Raaz in key roles. The film is set to be released in Indian theatres on 14 February