Salman Khan, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sunny Deol, Vicky Kaushal and Who Else; See IFFI 2023 Plans

IFFI 2023 Plans

IFFI 2023 is set to kick off on 20th November 2023, and we have a confirmed update that the festival will be graced by Salman Khan, Catherine Zeta Jones, Vidya Balan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anupam Kher, Vicky Kaushal, Siddharth Malhotra, Aditi Rao Hydari, AR Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal, Shantanu Moitra, Sukhwinder Singh, Amit Trivedi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Karishma Tanna, among several celebrated filmmakers.

The 54th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be hosted in Goa from November 20th to 28th at Shamaprasad Indoor Stadium, Panaji, Goa.The opening ceremony is headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit, along with Shriya Saran, Pankaj Tripathi, Shantanu Moitra, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sukhwinder Singh, while the ceremony is being hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and Karishma Tanna.

Several dignitaries are expected to be present, along with eminent personalities from Indian cinema, including Sunny Deol, Vijay Sethupathi, Sara Ali Khan, Karan Johar, and many more.

Speaking about IFFI, Hon'ble Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur said, "IFFI has been growing every year thanks to the passion of our filmmakers from across the country and the collaboration that we have been able to forge with the directors and producers from across the world. As we take forward Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening India's global position across all sectors, cinema, arts and culture can empower our youth to foray on the world stage with stories that are global in essence and local at heart. Indeed, IFFI has become the perfect platform for establishing collaborations, joint productions, and cutting-edge technology."

Karan Johar and Sara Ali Khan, with the team of Ae Watan Mere Watan, will unveil the first look of the drama-thriller. Sukhwinder Singh will sing the film's inspiring title track during the showcase.

Pankaj Tripathi, Shantanu Moitra, Shreya Ghoshal, and Taba Chake will step into the spotlight to introduce the crime-thriller Kadak Singh, directed by National Award winner Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. The film captures the story of AK Shrivastav, an officer in the Department of Financial Crimes who, while battling retrograde amnesia, exposes the truth behind a Chit Fund scam. Actor Pankaj Tripathi maintains, "The IFFI festival has always offered a platform for inspiring stories and storytellers who unmask corruption and clean the system, thereby inspiring and empowering us."

Superstar Vijay Sethupathi would unveil the trailer of the black comedy Gandhi Talks, a silent film in a present-day setting revolving around four characters, played by Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swami, Siddharth Jadhav, and Aditi Rao Hydari.

For its star acts, IFFI has roped in Madhuri Dixit to recreate a medley of her chartbusters. "Cinema has given me so much; it’s time to give something back in return. What better way to do so than through song and dance which is integral to not just Indian cinema, but Indian culture as well," asserts the Bollywood diva.

Shahid Kapoor will set the stage on fire with his superhit parade. "Doing great work comes naturally when you're passionate about what you do. And performing in front of a live audience is something I’ve truly loved ever since I can remember… Thanks to IFFI I get to do that one more time in Goa on November 20th. See you there!" he says.

While RRR's Naatu Naatu brings back Oscar glory, Pushpa's Sami Sami represents the growing popularity of South Indian cinema. Jhoome jo Pathaan and Jawan's Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya celebrate the resurrection of Hindi cinema, while 83's Jeetega Jeetega celebrates Chandrayaan 3's successful landing and India's Asian Games wins.

From rustic celebrations to classy soirees and regional fiestas, Shriya Saran will show us how India parties with the Tamil song Allegra Allegra, the Kannada chartbuster Ra Ra Rakkamma, the Malayalam hit Kalapakkarra, Boss Party from the Telugu film Waltair Veeraya, and Show Me The Thumka from Bollywood's Tu Jhooti Main Makkaar.

The celebrations will continue for a week. Shri Prithul Kumar, Festival Director-IFFI (Jt. Secretary (Films) & MD/NFDC), informs, "This IFFI will have 13 world Premieres, 18 International Premieres, 62 Asia Premieres and 89 India Premieres. These films, which transcend all borders and cultures, represent the best of Indian and world cinema. This carries forward the compelling obligation to continue the legacy of showcasing cinematic excellence at the 54th IFFI. The festival team is working tirelessly to make sure that the participants enjoy the outstanding films, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime."

The closing ceremony will be headlined by Ayushmann Khurrana and renowned music composer Amit Trivedi. Ayushmann will deliver an energetic performance and pay tribute to Michael Douglas, the recipient of the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.

Amit Trivedi will curate a special rendition of The Sounds of Bharat, alongside a medley of his superhit songs. There will be a specially curated performance by the Harmony of the Pines orchestra of the Himachal Pradesh police, arousing nationalistic fervour.

At the closing ceremony, several awards and special honours will be presented for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (male and female), 'Special Jury Award', 'Best Web Series on an OTT Platform', and 'Indian Film Personality of the Year', ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal.