Manoj Tyagi - The name may not really ring a bill. But if he is introduced as someone who won a National Award for writing Madhur Bhandarkar's Page 3, it won't be difficult to identify the man, isn't it? The writer of films like Satta, Page 3, Corporate, Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee (all with Madhur Bhandarkar) and Apaharan (with Prakash Jha) amongst many more, made his directorial debut with Mumbai Salsa last year. Though this light hearted take on urban relationship amongst youngsters (which starred relative newcomers like Vir Das, Manjari Fadnis, Ray Irani, Indraneil Sengupta, Dilip Tadeshwar and Linda Arsenio) didn't make much impression at the box office, Mumbai Salsa was appreciated by those select few who watched this. Now after a DVD release early this year, there is more to come. The film has been short-listed for none less than ongoing Cannes Film Festival. No wonder, Manoj Tyagi feels vindicated. "Guess what, I wasn't even aware about the film's entry into Cannes till I heard it from Shemaroo, the overseas distributors of Mumbai Salsa", admits Manoj Tyagi who is looking at bringing his next directorial venture on floors soon, "Films are taken to Cannes in Competition and Non-Competition category; Mumbai Salsa has been India's entry for the latter." What does this entry mean for Mumbai Salsa? "Non-competition section acts as a platform for those producers/distributors who want their films to be exposed to the global audience. Since distributors and exhibitors from across the globe are present at the event, it acts as a good marketing tool for the film to reach out to various countries", explains Manoj Tyagi. Apparently, Shemaroo are pretty confident about Mumbai Salsa making a dent internationally even though in India it met with a disappointing response. "We came on the same day as Jab We Met while Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Om Shanti Om sandwiched us at both the ends. However, Shemaroo sees a huge potential for the film internationally since Mumbai Salsa is quite urban in nature and hence should be identifiable all over. This is why out of 10-12 films available with them, they selected animation film Ghatotkach and a regional film Anuranan along with Mumbai Salsa", concludes Tyagi. ... read more »