'Masaan' trailer launched, shows dark side of Indian society

The India trailer of award-winning film "Masaan" was launched here on Friday, giving a glimpse into the dark side of Indian society through the lives of two women.

The Neeraj Ghaywan directorial debut "Masaan", which won two awards at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival earlier this year, is set in Varanasi.

Its trailer shows the lives of two women - on the one hand, there is actress Richa Chadha's character trapped in a MMS scandal by corrupt police officers and there's actress Shweta Tripathi, whose character falls in love with a man from a lower caste and burns dead bodies for a living.

Richa said here: "We all have seen the trailer for the first time. We had to watch it twice to understand it. Neeraj had specifically saved all 'masala' for Indian audiences and I think they deserve something special."

Ghaywan is said to have portrayed the lives of young Indian women trapped in social prejudice and small town mentality with utmost realism.

Produced by Drishyam Films, Phantom Films, Macassar Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, "Masaan" stars Sanjay Mishra and Richa in the lead along with newcomers Shweta and Vicky Kaushal, all of whom were present at the trailer launch.

Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra said: "I'm delighted to be associated with a brilliant film like 'Masaan'."

"Masaan" is scheduled to hit Indian theatres on July 24.