Cannes Diary: Adlabs lounge gives indies a leg up

Cannes Diary: Adlabs lounge gives indies a leg up

Cannes Diary

CANNES: The Adlabs Indpendent Producers Lounge is proving to be a hit of sorts. Located in the basement of the Palais des Festivals, it has been a busy spot with almost anyone interested in Indian films dropping in over there from whichever country in the world.

The booth, manned by AdLabs Films boss Sunir Khetrapal, has Aditya Bhattacharrya steering it most of the time. Other individuals using it quite frequently include: Grey Cells Entertainment's copromoter Rashmi, Ruchi Narain, Amit Khanna, Sudhir Mishra.

The stand is also being used to promote the Filmkraft new production Krishh. In a big way.
Dharma disappointed, Johar pushes hard

The team Dharma Productions distribution team of Vishal Patel and Cherian expressed disappointment at the way the market has been proceeding. "There have been very few footfalls," says Cherian. "We expect an improvement by tomorrow."

The big title being promoted at the stand is Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

Karan Johar spent many a hour at the stand today. The Johar box office magic may rub off on Dharma's Cannes performance as well.
Indian unity shows up at Cannes

What is amazing about this Cannes festival is how the independents have been propping up each other. The Adlabs stand has brochures and promotional materials from almost every Indian film maker in the Palais. Handmade Films' Sunil Doshi who has a stand in a prime location in the Palais des Festivals basement even lent a hand to the indies by stocking their promotional literature at his stand. A pat in the back for the indie Indians. In fact, a bash for the indies was planned for the evening at the Irish Quays pub.