Viacom18 Studios and Matchbox Pictures' ‘Andhadhun’ wins big at the National Film Awards

2018’s sleeper hit, ‘Andhadhun’ won big, with three main categories at the National Film Awards 2019. The film won the categories for Best Hindi Film, Best Adapted Screenplay and Ayushmann Khurrana for Best Actor.

Not only did ‘Andhadhun’ win many hearts and accolades of the movie goers and critics all over the country but also managed accolades globally. The film now managed to grab the highest honours in the Indian Film Fraternity, the National Awards. Clearly, the film’s director Sriram Raghvan’s genre of defining thriller had the all makings of an amazing film.

”At Viacom18 Studios, it has been our endeavor to invest in meaningful stories and use scientific methods to market and distribute them to our audiences. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Directorate of Film Festivals for this recognition for our film. Andhadhun aimed to stretch the creative envelope and I would like to thank Sriram & Matchbox Pictures for partnering us in this challenging project.” said Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18, adding, “I’d also like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s National Awards. I look forward to many more partnerships, meaningful cinema and more love and recognition for Viacom18 Studios in the future.”

Commenting on the same, Sriram Raghavan says, “Hitchcock, in his interview to Francois Truffaut said, 'Some people film slices of life. I film slices of cake'. That quote was in our hearts whilst making Andhadhun. We had no idea the film will receive so much love and laurels. The recognition at the National Awards is well, the icing on the cake. I'd like to thank the eminent jury for choosing us from the many fantastic films last year, the audience for embracing our ending. And of course, my entire team of actors, crew and technicians.A film like this not only requires complete creative freedom but also the belief and support of its producers- Matchbox Pictures & Viacom18 Studios. I want to thank both of them.”

Ajit Andhare, COO Viacom18 Studios adds, “And that’s five prestigious National Awards in our kitty for best films in the last 6 years. As a studio, we’ve always set a high benchmark for content and Andhadhun makes us proud. Amongst the various ideas Sriram brought to us we backed & believed in Andhadhun right from its inception. Developing the film from scripting, casting, running iterations with Sriram & producing this film has been one of the most satisfying creative experiences for me. Taking the film to audiences across India, China & world over and experiencing the love it received has been a dream come true. For this I am thankful to Sriram Raghavan & specially acknowledge Matchbox Pictures, our partner producers.”

Producer Sanjay Routray, who helms Matchbox Pictures, says: "Andhadhun continues to be a blessing for our team and winning three National Awards is a truly humbling moment for all of us at Matchbox Pictures! While the film has won accolades across markets, winning these prestigious Awards is the ultimate validation. We are truly grateful to the esteemed jury members. Hats off to Sriram's vision, to all our actors for believing in it and to each and every member of the team who put their heart and soul in the film. While each of the individual awards is a big celebration for us, when you get the 'Best Hindi Film' award, it is a recognition of the efforts of every member of the team. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our producing partner Viacom18 for their support in this amazing journey."

In 2018, ‘Andhadhun’ emerged as a sleeper hit at Indian Box office running over 75 days in Indian theatres after its release. The film later took the Chinese Box Office by storm grossing over $49 million and becoming the 3rd Highest Grossing Indian Film in China.A toast of Indian film awards and a favourite of Indian filmgoers from 2018, Andhadhun has also won top honours at different Film award shows in India and abroad.