17th June, 2016: PVR Nest, the CSR arm of the largest Indian cinema exhibition company of India- PVR Ltd, celebrates with children from various walks of life with a special preview of the movie ‘Dhanak’ by renowned director Nagesh Kukunoor. The special preview, which was organised at PVR Cinemas in Delhi and Mumbai, witnessed the fun- filled exciting faces of over 1500 children coming from 30 organizations including NGO’s, aided schools and schools for specially-abled children. This is a part of PVR Nest’s initiative, through which the company aims to bring the celebratory cinema experience to these underprivileged children who don’t have access to movies at multiplexes.
Nagesh Kukunoor, who has been associated with PVR Nest for their various programmes, screened the movie before the release as a special gesture for the kids. The story of the movie revolves around two siblings, who with their grit and determination embark an enchanting journey.
Congratulating PVR Nest on this great initiative, Nagesh Kukunoor, Director of Dhanak said, “It is a pleasure to be associated with a brand like PVR. The CSR arm has been extremely pro- active in providing for the children through various endeavors. The film is a simple story of dreams, aspirations and achievement. I hope that these kids enjoy the movie, get inspired and use this motivation in their everyday challenges.”
Mr Shiladitya Bora, CEO, Drishyam Films also added, “We have received tremendous response from overseas as well as from various prestigious international film festivals and awards bodies, where ever we have screened the movie. The movie presents a very simple yet inspirational approach towards life. We look forward to receive an over whelming response from here as well.”
About this special screening, Ms Deepa Menon, Sr. Vice President – CSR & Corporate Communications, PVR Limited said, “Nagesh Kukunoor is a great source of inspiration for all of us and has been closely associated with PVR Nest as a mentor for various cinema training progammes. We are excited as this great storyteller and director has come forward to screen the movie before its release in India with us. We have received a tremendous response from various NGOs and schools.
At PVR Nest, we believe that cinema is not just a great medium to communicate but also works better than chalk and duster method especially when it comes to educating the young minds. This movie is simple yet has a strong message, which will fill their life with positivity and aspiration to be strong.
I would also like to thank Mr Shiladitya Bora of Drishyam Films who have come forward to do this special preview for the children.”
The film has been felicitated by all prestigious international awards across world film festivals. The movie was premiered at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Crystal Bear Grand Prix for Best Children’s Film, and special mention for the Best Feature Film by The Children’s Jury for Generation KPlus. The film has also garnered the Best Film Award in the main category-Children’s Feature Film Competition-Cinema in Sneakers (film festival), and the Best Film Award – at the Montreal International Children’s Film Festival (FIFEM).
Dhanak was also screened at the International Film Festival Los Angeles (IFFLA) and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
PVR Nest has conducted two special screenings of the movie ‘Dhanak’: one at PVR Phoenix, Lower Parel Mumbai, and PVR Priya in Delhi and have entertained over 1000 underprivileged children in Delhi and over 300 in Mumbai from 10 different NGOs along with children from special schools. The movie will be released worldwide this week on 17th June 2016.
About PVR Nest:
PVR Limited (the Company got incorporated in 1995,) has been an early adopter of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Sustained economic performance, environmental and social progress has been our key factor for holistic business growth. We established the PVR Nest foundation in 2006 as a not- for profit nodal body aimed at providing dedicated approach to community development and also to fulfill our corporate s social responsibility commitments. PVR Nest foundation works with Children at Risk (Childscapes) on their complete rehabilitation, education, nutrition, healthcare and employability, additionally, through its infrastructure-business enterprise- PVR Cinemas, it fosters the largest film-based education program (Cine-Art). PVR Nest partners with local communities and builds its capacities to mitigate the issues and challenges the communities face.