Nandita Das-starrer Ramchand Pakistani by Mehreen Jabbar and Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir's path breaking Salt of This Sea jointly won the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) award for "the quality of the cinematic treatment in depicting the cause to humanity through the futility of politics".

Gulabi Talkies was chosen for its "multi-layered portrayal of vibrant people being dragged unknowingly into an important socio-economic transition of recent times and for its deft and masterful blending of artistic sensitivity with stunning realism".

Umashree was awarded for her "bringing to life Gulabi, a fishing midwife, a truly multi-faceted character, for her effortless portrayal of a woman at once wise and childlike, brave and vulnerable, strong and compassionate".

"It is a big moment for me as this is not only an award but an important recognition," Kasaravalli said after receiving the award.

"Though the concept of the film was conceived some years ago, it germinated while I was attending the 9th Osian's Cinefan festival last year after which I made minute changes to being out the movie in the present form," a beaming Kasaravalli said.