Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS): National award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta's gay drama "Aligarh" opened to thundering applause here at 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on Friday.

The film is based on the true story of Aligarh University professor S.R. Siras, who was sacked on the charges of homosexuality.

Playing the 64-year-old character, actor Manoj Bajpayee left the audiences in awe with his flawless performance.

"It could easily be the best Indian film of the year," Suresh, a viewer told IANS.

Talking before the screening, Mehta said, "It is an honour to have our film open the festival."

Besides the film's principal cast, the screening was also attended by actress Vidya Balan and her husband-producer Siddharth Roy Kapur among others.

Well-known film archivist P.K. Nair also attended the screening, and Mehta personally thanked him for taking the effort and making his presence felt.

The film, which also stars Rajkummar Rao, was screened earlier this year at Busan International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival.