The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to enchant audiences in Goa from November 20th to 28th, 2023, with the unveiling of its Gala Premieres. This highly anticipated segment, organized by the National Film Development Corporation Limited, aims to establish a direct connection between film stars and the audience, showcasing a selection of films that embody the festival’s core ethos.
World Premieres Unveiled
The festival boasts world premieres of eagerly awaited feature films, including “Farrey” (Hindi) produced by Salman Khan, and featuring young talent. “Gandhi Talks” (Silent) starring Arvind Swami, Vijay Sethupathy, and Aditi Rao Hydari with music by A.R. Rahman, “Kadak Singh” (Hindi) starring Pankaj Tripathi and Parvathy Thiruvothu, “Hurry Om Hurry” (Gujarati) starring Siddharth Randheria, “Rautu Ki Beli” (Hindi) featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and “Grey Games” (Kannada) starring Vijay Raghvendra are some of the highlights. Additionally, two Amazon Original series, “Dhootha” (Telugu) starring Naga Chaitanya and Parvathy Thiruvothu, and “The Village” (Tamil) starring Arya, promise to captivate audiences. Asia premieres include “Dil Hai Gray” (Hindi) with Akshay Oberoi and Urvashi Rautela, and “Dear Jassi” (Punjabi) by Tarsem Singh.
Special Showcase: ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’
The film “Ae Watan Mere Watan” is set for a special showcase, featuring a conversation between Karan Johar and Sara Ali Khan.
Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, extended a warm welcome to esteemed filmmakers and actors. He highlighted the presence of Salman Khan, ZEE-produced “Gandhi Talks,” “Kadak Singh,” Amazon Original series “Dhootha,” and “The Village” with Arya. The Gala premiere aligns with the campaign “Meri Mitti Mera Desh,” celebrating cinematic excellence from all regions.
Universal Language of Film
Prithul Kumar, MD NFDC & Festival Director, emphasized the universality of film as a language that transcends borders and cultures. The Gala Premiere segment, according to him, is a testament to the power of storytelling, presenting films that will inspire and move audiences.
Exploring Cinematic Journeys
“Farrey,” directed by Soumendra Padhi, promises a thrilling journey, while “Gandhi Talks” by Kishor Padurang Belekar explores social commentary, delving into capitalism, racism, and society, with intriguing references to Hindu mythology. “Kadak Singh,” directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, follows the story of AK Srivastava, an officer diagnosed with retrograde amnesia, solving a complex case of a Chit Fund Scam. “The Village,” directed by Milind Rau, takes audiences on a sinister road trip with a family falling victim to a clan of mutants.
The Gala Premieres at the 54th IFFI promise a diverse and captivating cinematic experience with films like “Hurry Om Hurry,” “Dear Jassi,” “Rautu Ki Beli,” “Dhootha,” “Dil Hai Gray,” and “Grey Games,” challenging perceptions, exploring human emotions, and delving into suspense and mystery.
The 54th IFFI stands as one of the most significant film festivals globally, showcasing the best of world cinema. With a commitment to celebrating the art of cinema and promoting cultural exchange, the festival provides a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. The inclusion of direct-to-OTT series and unreleased films adds an exciting dimension, offering the audience a unique opportunity to witness premieres before anyone else. The palpable excitement among the registered audience sets the stage for IFFI 2023 to be a cinematic extravaganza not to be missed.