Sarjun's Burqa to premiere at the 2022 edition of the New York Indian Film Festival

Director Sarjun, whose latest OTT release was Blood Money (streaming on Zee5), is elated that his new film, Burqa, will have its premiere at the 2022 edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF). "I knew I was going to send my film to festivals, so I shot it accordingly. The New York Indian Film Festival was the first nomination that we received. Naturally, it's something special. I feel both humbled and honoured," Sarjun says. Burqa, shot in and around Chennai, for 15 days, has been selected in three award categories at the NYIFF namely—best film, best actress and best actor. Starring Kalaiarasan and Mirnaa of Big Brother fame, Burqa is produced by SKLS Galaxy Mall Productions and Madras Stories. Over the years, the New York Indian Film Festival had premiered critically-acclaimed films like Moothon, Slumdog Millionaire, Monsoon Wedding, Gangs of Wasseypur, The Namesake and C/o Kancharapalem, so on. The NYIFF will take place from May 7 to 13 this year, and Burqa will be screened virtually for the audience. "It is a love story, that revolves around two main characters. Also, the film, which has GM Kumar in a pivotal role, will highlight a social issue," Sarjun notes. 

The engineer-turned-director, who is an avid fan of Mani Ratnam and Selvaraghavan, says, "The story is based on an incident that happened in my life. Though I didn't find the process emotionally draining, it was a little difficult for Mirnaa. She broke down while filming the climax." Sarjun's previous directorial ventures include Echcharikkai! Idhu Manidhargal Nadamaadum Idam, Nayanthara's Airaa and Navarasa, etc. Burqa, which will eventually be an OTT release, has music by R Sivatmikha of Paava Kathaigal fame, cinematography by Balamurugan, and editing by B Pravin Baaskar. Speaking about roping in Kalaiarasan, Sarjun adds, "We have known each other for a long time. He is an excellent performer. In fact, Kalai's character in Burqa is a lot similar to his real-life persona."

The New York Indian Film Festival went virtual for its 20th and 21st editions amid the coronavirus pandemic.