Guneet Monga on The Lunchbox at Cannes: Didn’t have money to book a room for Irrfan Khan

Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga has backed quality films like The Lunchbox, Pagglait, Kathal, The Elephant Whisperers, and now, KILL. In a recent interview, she got remembered her experience of taking the late Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur’s film The Lunchbox to the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.

Also read: Guneet Monga on if pressure has increased after winning an Oscar: You never make content for an award 

“We very sincerely made The Lunchbox and raised money in France through private investors in India. It was a joint production between France, Germany, and India. We put together thoda thoda paisa from around the world and I was excited that it was going to Cannes (Film Festival). We were ready to give this film to somebody to cover our costs at Cannes. We were like, ‘Paise nahi hain Cannes jane ke liye (We don’t have the money to go to Cannes). We were freaking out even to book Irrfan sir's room at Cannes. Our sales agent had another big film and that actress refused to show up. So, her suite got free and that's how we got Irrfan sir his room,” Guneet revealed in a recent interview.

Guneet is currently at the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) for the premiere of her latest venture, KILL, with Dharma Productions. Guneet’s Sikhya Production first collaborated with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for The Lunchbox in 2013. The film starred Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur in lead roles.

Also read: Guneet Monga at Oscars 2023: The future is audacious, the future is truly female! 

Before its premiere at TIFF, Karan had shared a poster of KILL on his Instagram page, with the caption, “The journey begins at the Toronto International Film Festival! 'KILL' - an action-packed high octane film starring Lakshya - the next action hero to look out for. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, the film will premier at Midnight Madness at TIFF 2023. Stay tuned, the official poster and teaser will be announced soon!!!”

KILL stars Laksh Lalwani and Raghav Juyal and is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat.