All posts tagged: IFFI

IFFI 2026: Ashutosh Gowariker appointed as festival director

IFFI 2026: Ashutosh Gowariker appointed as festival director

Published by Webster

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Goa. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting made the announcement regarding his appointment as the Festival Director on Friday. Ashutosh Gowariker is known for directing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar. His work is often noted for its strong storytelling, historical depth, and exploration of social themes. Lagaan was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. However, it lost to the Bosnian film No Man’s Land. Talking about the festival, the director said, “It gives me immense pride and joy to serve as the Festival Director for the prestigious 57th International Film Festival of India, Goa. I feel privileged to have witnessed the evolution of this festival. From attending it in 1984 to continuing my association over the years, right up to 2024, when I served as the Jury President for International Cinema”. He further mentioned, “To carry forward the legacy …

Rishab Shetty Breaks Silence on Ranveer Singh’s Daiva Mimicry Controversy After IFFI

Rishab Shetty Breaks Silence on Ranveer Singh’s Daiva Mimicry Controversy After IFFI

Published by Parlour News

The recent controversy involving Ranveer Singh at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa has once again brought the conversation around cultural sensitivity into the spotlight. During the event earlier this month, Ranveer landed in trouble after mimicking the daiva ritual from Kantara on stage. The act did not go down well with many, especially given the deep spiritual importance of the tradition. Rishab Shetty breaks silence Now, Kantara actor-director Rishab Shetty has broken his silence on the issue. Speaking at a Behindwoods event in Chennai, Rishab addressed the larger concern without directly naming Ranveer. He spoke honestly about the risks that come with making culturally rooted films. According to him, when a film like Kantara becomes hugely popular, there is always a danger that sacred traditions may slowly turn into pop culture acts. Rishab revealed that while making Kantara, he took advice from several elders to ensure that the rituals and beliefs were shown with utmost respect. However, once the film reached a wide audience, people began copying and performing the daiva …

Complaint filed against Ranveer Singh for mocking Kantara at IFFI

Complaint filed against Ranveer Singh for mocking Kantara at IFFI

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An advocate on Wednesday filed a complaint against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, alleging that he hurt religious sentiments by mocking and insulting the sacred `Daiva` (Bhoota Kola) tradition depicted in the film Kantara, police said. No FIR has been registered in connection with the complaint so far, a senior police officer at High Grounds police station said. Second complaint against Ranveer Singh The complaint, submitted by advocate Prashanth Methal, cites news reports and video footage circulated on social media. It alleges that on November 28, during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Singh openly mocked and insulted the sacred `Daiva` tradition showcased in the movie.“I am filing this complaint to bring to your immediate attention the illegal and offensive actions of Bollywood actor Mr Ranveer Singh, which have deeply hurt my religious sentiments and the sentiments of millions of Hindus, particularly the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka,” the complaint said. The complainant has requested that an FIR be registered against Singh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, insulting the `Daiva` …

Kantara Scene Imitation fuels major controversy as HJS demands action

Kantara Scene Imitation fuels major controversy as HJS demands action

Published by Parlour News

Ranveer Singh’s performance backfires: Kantara Scene Imitation fuels major controversy as HJS demands action Ranveer Singh receives criticism for depicting Kantara’s Chamundi Daiva during IFFI’s closing event in the presence of Rishab Shetty. His analogy of the holy figure as a “female ghost” has caused anger, resulting in official complaints and calls for a public apology. Bollywood sensation Ranveer Singh is only days away from the launch of his highly awaited film Dhurandhar, set to hit cinemas on December 5.However, the enthusiasm around the project has recently been overshadowed by a controversy that unfolded following the actor’s presence at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. What was meant to be a light-hearted moment on stage has now triggered public backlash, formal complaints and demands for an apology. Ranveer Singh’s Kantara controversy explained The event took place when Ranveer performed the climax scene from Kantara – Chapter 1 in front of the crowd, which included director-actor Rishab Shetty. While performing the imitation, he …

Anupam Kher talks about life and career as Calorie premieres at IFFI 2025

Anupam Kher talks about life and career as Calorie premieres at IFFI 2025

Published by Webster

It looks like an unofficial retrospective of Anupam Kher’s films,” the actor and filmmaker chuckles, as he is overcome with pride of having four of his works — 1942: A Love Story (1994), Tanvi: The Great, The Bengal Files, and the drama Calorie — screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). “Calorie is a heart-touching story directed by Eisha Marjara. There is also a personal angle in it, which makes the film different,” says Kher. Calorie, which also released in Canada, follows a Sikh-Canadian family forced to confront past traumas and secrets after its two granddaughters, visit India for a vacation. For Kher, the film became an unmissable opportunity to collaborate with an ensemble cast featuring Dolly Ahluwalia, Ellora Patnaik, Shanaya Dhillon-Birmhan, and Ashley Ganger. “Dolly was my junior in the National School of Drama. She is a terrific actor. So are the Canadian girls in the cast and crew,” he adds. With a career spanning four decades, marked by pop-culture milestones and multiple awards, Kher insists he has no intention of slowing …

IFFI 2025: Vietnamese Director Ash Mayfair’s Skin Of Youth Takes Home Top Honour | Bollywood News

IFFI 2025: Vietnamese Director Ash Mayfair’s Skin Of Youth Takes Home Top Honour | Bollywood News

Published by Parlour News

Last Updated:November 29, 2025, 18:45 IST Filmmaker Karan Singh Tyagi took home the prestigious Best Debut Director award from IFFI 2025. The IFFI 2025 concluded with several awards and accolades celebrating cinema.(Photo Credit: Instagram) The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) wrapped up with inspiring stories. Organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Government of Goa, opened with Sivakarthikeyan’s Amaran for the Indian Panorama section. Following this, it featured over 240 films from 81 countries. The exciting event witnessed a Vietnamese film taking home the prestigious Golden Peacock, followed by several remarkable performances, even by Indian projects. Vietnamese director Ash Mayfair’s film Skin of Youth captivated moviegoers, earning the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Best Feature Film in the global competition. After nine days of screenings, discussions, and celebrations, the movie secured the top spot after competing against 15 films. Ash Mayfair’s Skin Of Youth Won The Best Film (Golden Peacock) Award At IFFI 2025 The film follows the turbulent romance between a transgender sex worker seeking gender-affirming surgery …

Fans think Dhanush’s son, Yatra Raja, is a perfect mix of him and Rajinikanth after his appearance at IFFI 2025. Watch

Fans think Dhanush’s son, Yatra Raja, is a perfect mix of him and Rajinikanth after his appearance at IFFI 2025. Watch

Published by Parlour News

Updated on: Nov 29, 2025 03:16 pm IST Rajinikanth was accompanied by his grandchildren as he was honoured at IFFI 2025 in Goa. But all eyes were on Dhanush and Aishwarya’s son Yatra Linga. At the 2025 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa, Rajinikanth was honoured for 50 years of his career in the film industry. Accompanying him was his family, including his wife, children and grandchildren. Apart from Rajinikanth, it was Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s elder son, Yatra Raja, who caught everyone’s attention for his looks. Dhanush’s son Yatra Raja stole all the attention at IFFI 2025 when he accompanied his grandfather Rajinikanth. Yatra accompanies grandpa Rajinikanth to IFFI Pictures and videos of Rajinikanth attending IFFI show him accompanied by his wife, Latha; children, Aishwarya and Soundarya; son-in-law, Vishagan Vanangamudi; and grandchildren, Yatra Raja, Linga, Ved Krishna, and Veer Rajinikanth Vanangamudi. Fans now believe that Aishwarya and Dhanush’s elder son Yatra, looks like a perfect mix of his father and grandfather. Pictures and videos of the 19-year-old show him dressed in …

John Abraham presents Oslo: A Tale Of Promise teaser at IFFI 2025, offers first look at animal-centred documentary

John Abraham presents Oslo: A Tale Of Promise teaser at IFFI 2025, offers first look at animal-centred documentary

Published by Webster

Oslo: A Tale Of Promise, the new documentary backed by John Abraham, grabbed attention at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The film’s official teaser, a short 46-second cut, was unveiled during the festival. John Abraham said the first look of Oslo: A Tale of Promise was meant to act as an introduction to the film’s larger story.(AFP) Oslo: A Tale Of Promise teaser at IFFI 2025 The project is presented by John Abraham and produced by JA Entertainment and Vaanar Nirmit. Directed by Isha Pungaliya, the film looks at the bond between Pooja R Bhale, founder of the Protecterra Ecological Foundation, and her Siberian husky, Oslo. Festival attendees saw the teaser during one of the special screenings, where the response was described as immediate and warm, as per Times Now. The clip opens with a quick montage of different animals, set against a single voiceover line: “Animals are a gift. They are more than human. Are we willing to open our hearts to them?” The segment sets the tone for …

Rajinikanth delivers emotional speech at IFFI 2025: ‘All this honour goes to Tamil people, the gods who keep me alive’

Rajinikanth delivers emotional speech at IFFI 2025: ‘All this honour goes to Tamil people, the gods who keep me alive’

Published by Webster

Published on: Nov 29, 2025 08:37 am IST Rajinikanth was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 56th International Film Festival of India, celebrating 50 years in cinema.  Rajinikanth was honoured with a prestigious lifetime achievement award at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, marking his remarkable 50-year milestone in the film industry. Taking the stage at the event, the 74-year-old superstar reflected on his journey, saying his five-decade-long career felt far shorter than it sounds. Goa CM Pramod Sawant confered lifetime achievement award on actor Rajinikanth at Goa Film Festival on Friday. (PIB)(HT_PRINT) Rajinikanth thanks Tamil people for his success A clip of the superstar’s speech surfaced online in which Rajinikanth expressed his overwhelming gratitude, stating, “Fifty years of acting in cinema felt like 10 or 15 years. If there are 100 more janams (lives), I would like to be born as an actor and as Rajinikanth. All this honour goes to the cinema industry and mainly to the Tamil people, the gods who keep …

IFFI closing: Vietnamese trans drama wins Best Film | Entertainment News

IFFI closing: Vietnamese trans drama wins Best Film | Entertainment News

Published by Parlour News

Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, directed by Ash Mayfair, won the Best Feature Film award at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. The director of the transgender drama bagged the ‘Golden Peacock’ at the festival’s closing ceremony held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Friday evening. Set in the 90s Saigon, the film explores the romance between San, a transgender sex worker dreaming of a sex reassignment surgery, and Nam, an underground cage fighter, who fights to support her son. Praising the film, the jury said, “Captivating from the very first frame, with inspired cinematography and bold production design, the director draws extraordinary performances from the two remarkable leads. Every element—evocative music, skilful editing, and meticulous craft—comes together seamlessly…” One of the highlights of the closing ceremony was the celebration of actor Rajnikanth’s five decades as a screen actor. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner was honoured by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with a shawl and memento. “Fifty years feels like 10 or 15 years. Time just flew. Even if …