Dia Mirza's first Bengali film, Paanch Adhyay, has been selected for the 14th Mumbai Film Festival (October 18 to 25), in the New Faces in Indian Cinema section.

The film, co-starring Priyanshu Chatterjee and Soumitra Chatterjee, has been written and directed by first-timer Pratim D. Gupta.

"I am very happy!" said Dia. "For a first time filmmaker, Pratim has made a very nuanced relationship story and Ishita is one of the most complex parts I have played! Even though this is a Bengali film, I believe the language of cinema is universal and I hope this film crosses many borders.

Paanch Adhyay contributed to my growth as a human being and actor. And I pray that it continues to enrich many more."

A romantic drama about two people going through five chapters of a relationship, Paanch Adhyay has music by Shantanu Moitra and marks the first Bengali project for wordsmith Swanand Kirkire.

"There are quite a few songs in the film and so it isn't a so-called festival-friendly film; the selection came as a surprise," said Pratim, busy finishing the film for a Durga Puja release in Bengal.