At the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in Delhi on Tuesday, debutant director Ashish Avinash Bende was bestowed with the Best Debut Film of a Director trophy for his acclaimed Marathi feature Aatmapamphlet (2023). The film is presented by Aanand L Rai and produced by Colour Yellow productions.
Aatmapamphlet has already made waves internationally: premiering at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival (Generation 14plus) and later travelling to other international festivals, where it was celebrated for its fresh storytelling and heartfelt treatment of adolescence and identity. Now, with the National Award, the film’s journey comes full circle.
For Colour Yellow, this recognition is another feather in its cap: the 4th National Award for the production house, after Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015) earlier bagged honours for Best Original Screenplay, Best Dialogue, and Best Actress.