Lipstick Under My Burkha to open Melbourne film fest

Alankrita Shrivastavas's Lipstick Under My Burkha, which was deemed to be "lady-oriented" by the censor board, will be the opening movie at the 2017 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The director is ecstatic about the film being a part of the fest, which is to be held from August 10 to August 22.

"It is a great honour that Lipstick Under My Burkha will be opening the festival. While the film has traveled to many parts of the world, it will be screened in Australia for the first time. I am really looking forward to the reaction of the Australian audience," the filmmaker says.

"Breaking through the cacophony of mainstream Indian cinema, it is wonderful that there is an Australian film festival that highlights independent Indian cinematic voices. Independent films are telling important stories, challenging the status quo and are important artistic expressions. I'm delighted to participate in the festival," she adds.

Lipstick Under My Burkha features actors like Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur.