Embassy of India
Tokyo

Remarks by H.E. Mr. Sujan R. Chinoy
Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Japan
Premiere of PK film
VCC Auditorium, 1430hrs, 28 July, 2016

Mr. RajkumarHirani, Director of PK
Mr. Kenji Ishibashi, Executive Vice President,Nikkatsu Corporation,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

1. I am delighted to be here on the occasion of the premiere of PK, one of the most popular Bollywood films from India.

2. PKis a unique film which has won the hearts of not just Indians but has also obtained international recognition for its satire-comical way of questioning social dogma. The film also has the distinction of being the highest grossing Indian film of all time.This is the 4th successful directorial venture of the National Award winning Director Mr.Hirani.The film PK has been well received internationally, including in East Asia such as China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. I am sure the Japanese audience will enjoy this film.

3. Indian films are no stranger to Japan. A number of Indian films from different regions have made their way to Japan and have been successful.In the recent years, there has been a rise in the number of Indian filmsfeaturing in the Japanese market following the success of English-Vinglish(Madam in NewYork),3 Idiots (kittoumakuiku) among others.Indian films may surprise the Japanese audience with their length, but their refreshing song and dance formats and the diversity of subject matter explored enables them to strike a chord with Japanese audiences. The immense opportunities in Japan have yet to be fully explored.

4. India and Japan enjoy a unique, warm and friendly relationship. Our relations are cemented by close historical bonds forged on the anvil of a shared civilizational heritage and Hindu-Buddhist heritage so evident in many of the lucky Gods of Shintoism, Zen Buddhism and even the HomaorHavan performed in Japanese temples. Our bilateral engagements have grown rapidly in the recent past and with a growing convergence on strategic and economic issues, our two countries have forged the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership”. At the political level there is tremendous amount of mutual trust and confidence shared by our two leaders.

5. Films are a special contemporary additionto our cultural exchanges. Films represent the best of India’s soft power

6. India not only offers opportunities to Japanese investments in the infrastructure and manufacturing sector, but also in the tertiary sector such as the film industry. As we see international production houses entering India, I encourage more Japanese production houses to examine the Indian market. I would strongly urge Mr.Hirani to make a film in the beautiful locales of Japan. This would promote tourism to Japan too.

7. I take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of Nikkatsu Corporation, a Japanese Studio with a history of more than hundred years, for bringing the film PK,as also a number of other Indian films to Japan in the past. I wish the film a grand success in Japan.

ArigatouGozaimasu