It was a proud moment for Indian cinema, when Neeraj Ghaywan's debut feature 'Masaan' was greeted by a 5 minute long standing ovation by the critics and reviewers. The Richa Chadha starrer was premiered yesterday at the Uncertain Regard section of the 68th Cannes International Film Festival.

An ecstatic Neeraj said, "In year 2012, I went to the Cannes film festival as an assistant director to Anurag Kashyap on 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. Three years later, I am here, at the festival with my own film. I cannot explain in words how overwhelmed I am with the response of the critics and reviewers."

'Masaan' - a joint production between Manish Mundra, Macassar Productions, Arte France Cinema, Sikhya Entertainment and Phantom Films, stars new comers like Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi with performers like Richa Chadha and Sanjay Mishra.

Vikramaditya Motwane, whose 'Udaan' was selected in the same section, and who is one of the producers of 'Masaan' says from Cannes, "We're delighted with the response here at the Cannes Film Festival. It is the greatest showcase of films in the whole world and it could not have happened to a more deserving filmmaker or crew."

Said Melita Toscan du Plantier of Macassar Productions, "As soon as we read the script with my partner, we were overwhelmed. We are very proud for our first production to be selected in the Official Selection of Cannes Film Festival thanks to the talent of Neeraj Ghaywan. It has been a great collaboration with our Indian partners: Manish Mundra, Phantom and Sikhya."

While Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment shared, "We all believed in Masaan ever since it was written. Starting with the Sundance Screenwriter's Lab and now the Cannes selection, the journey of Masaan has only begun. Neeraj is an outstanding director and he is one to watch out for."

Added Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films, "I still remember the day when Varun Grover, the writer of the film and Neeraj narrated the story to me and how it just touched my heart. I am so happy with the response at Cannes and hope this will only help us to create a new model for producing content-based indie films from India, with like minded producers like Phantom & Sikhya."