MUMBAI: Silent movie The Artist, which has been between the awards this season, is all set to be released in India on 17 February.

Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, the film focuses on a declining male film star and a rising actress in the times when silent cinema grows out of fashion and is replaced by the talkies.

The black-and-white French romance, starring Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo, is said to a tribute to the cinema of 1920s and 30s.

Dujardin won the Best Actor Award at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe trophy for his portrayal in the film. It has already clinched 12 BAFT A nominations, besides winning three Golden Globe trophies.

Incidentally, the film is also a strong contender at the Oscars this February.