News has been abuzz that debutant Neeraj Ghaywan's film 'Masaan' has been selected at the Uncertain Regard section, at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival. Phantom Films, Manish Mundra, Macassar Productions, Arte France Cinema, Pathe Production and Sikhya Entertainment have produced the film. 'Massan', a gritty drama shot in Benaras, stars Richa Chadha and Sanjay Mishra in lead among others.

As a matter of fact, Neeraj has been the erstwhile assistant of Anurag Kashyap, and has worked with him on 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and 'Ugly'. 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 returning to the festival with my own film. I cannot explain in words how overwhelmed I am. A festival that I diligently followed over the years, the mecca of all cinephiles, has selected a film, which has my name on it. This is surreal."

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 thetalent of Neeraj Ghaywan. It has been a great collaboration with our Indian partners: Manish Mundra, Phantom and Sikhya."

While Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment stated, "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, "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 news since this film has helped us to create a new model for producing content-based indie films from India, with like minded producers like Phantom & Sikhya."

Vikramaditya Motwane, whose 'Udaan' was selected in the same section, and who is one of the producers of 'Masaan' said, "We're delighted at Masaan's selection to Un Certain Regard. The Cannes Film Festival is the greatest showcase of films in the whole world and it could not have happened to a more deserving filmmaker or crew."