The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to elevate the cinematic experience with the highly-anticipated second edition of “Gala Premieres,” presented by the National Film Development Corporation Limited. This segment is meticulously curated to bridge the gap between film stars and the audience, embodying the festival’s commitment to celebrating global cinematic artistry.
WORLD PREMIERS
Among the world premieres featured are “Farrey” (Hindi), produced by Salman Khan, “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, “Grey Games” (Kannada) starring Vijay Raghvendra, and two series from Amazon Originals, “Dhootha” (Telugu) starring Naga Chaitanya and Parvathy Thiruvothu, and “The Village” (Tamil) starring Arya. Additionally, Asia premieres include “Dil Hai Gray” (Hindi) starring Akshay Oberoi and Urvashi Rautela, and “Dear Jassi” (Punjabi) by Tarsem Singh.
The Gala Premieres will host a special showcase of the film “Ae Watan Mere Watan,” accompanied by a conversation between Karan Johar and Sara Ali Khan.
Mr. Anurag Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, expressed a warm welcome to the esteemed filmmakers and actors, emphasizing the significance of each production and talent involved. He highlighted the diverse lineup, including renowned artists such as Salman Khan, AR Rahman, Urvashi Rautela, and Tarsem Singh, contributing to the cinematic extravaganza.
Mr. Prithul Kumar, MD NFDC & Festival Director, emphasized the universal language of film and the Gala Premiere segment as a testament to the power of storytelling. He expressed honor in presenting captivating films that inspire and move audiences, uniting them in the joy of storytelling.
UNIQUE AND COMPELLING NARRATIVE
Each film in the Gala Premieres section promises a unique and compelling narrative. “Farrey,” directed by Soumendra Padhi, offers a thrilling journey, while “Gandhi Talks” by Kishor Padurang Belekar explores social commentary, delving into capitalism, racism, and society with references to Hindu mythology. “Kadak Singh,” directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, weaves a tale of retrograde amnesia and financial crimes, solving a complex case. “The Village,” directed by Milind Rau, takes audiences on a sinister road trip.
With a diverse lineup, including “Hurry Om Hurry,” “Dear Jassi,” “Rautu Ki Beli,” “Dhootha,” “Dil Hai Gray,” and “Grey Games,” the Gala Premieres at the 54th IFFI promise an immersive cinematic experience that challenges perceptions, explores human emotions, and ventures into the realms of suspense and mystery.
As one of the most significant film festivals globally, the 54th IFFI continues to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase exceptional work. With a commitment to celebrating the art of cinema and promoting cultural exchange, IFFI stands as a testament to the magic of storytelling. The excitement of the registered audience to witness these premieres adds a novel dimension to the festival, reaffirming its status as a cultural extravaganza.