Best Director Feature Film
Mr. Badal is a stand-up comedian. Much like King Robert the Bruce of Scotland, who was defeated seven times in battle before finally winning on the eighth attempt, most of Badal’s achievements in life have also come after failing seven times and succeeding on the eighth.
As a child, he became first in his class on the eighth attempt after failing seven times. After seven unsuccessful tries, he finally falls in love with a girl on the eighth. Even his recognition as a stand-up comedian comes only after failing seven auditions and succeeding on the eighth.
One night, while returning from a comedy show, Badal meets Jasim, a senior from his university days. During university, Badal used comedy to highlight various social issues. Jasim, on the other hand, was involved in extortion in the name of student politics. In one university program, Badal made jokes about Jasim, which angered him so much that he publicly forced Badal to hold his ears and do sit-ups. Jasim was also known for beating a poor elderly rickshaw puller once.