Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) concluded on a grand note with a glittering awards ceremony held at Balgandharva Rangmandir on Thursday evening. Filmmakers, artists, international jury members, and cultural dignitaries gathered to celebrate excellence in cinema from India and abroad. The Government of Maharashtra’s prestigious “Prabhat” Best International Film Award was presented to The Elysian Field, directed by Pradip Kurbah. The film also received a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, with Rs. 5 lakh awarded to the director and the remaining amount shared among producers Morjina Kurbah, Arpana Kurbah, and Jova Kurbah. The award was presented by…

Kanika Kapoor is back with her signature playful charm in her new song Tring Tring, presented by T-Series. The track revisits the bold, vibrant energy that made her a pop culture icon. The music video features the stunning Maarve and is full of high-glam visuals, lively choreography, and fun energy brought to life by the renowned Remo D’Souza. Kanika Kapoor delivers the vocals herself, while Vicky Chandel adds rap and lyrics. The composition by Vicky Chandel and B Show creates a catchy, upbeat track that is perfect for dancing and singing along. The video, directed and choreographed by Remo D’Souza,…

Renowned violinist, music arranger, and composer Amar Haldipur has expressed concern over the state of contemporary music, stating that many of today’s songs lack emotional depth and soul. Speaking at the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), where he is set to receive the S.D. Burman International Award for his lifetime contribution to music, Haldipur noted that commercialisation has overshadowed artistry in the modern music industry. “Current music does not stay in memory. There is no soul in it—only business. One often cannot even tell who is singing or composing,” Haldipur said. “Money has become the priority, and artistry seems…

Renowned Tamil writer and screenwriter B. Jeyamohan has highlighted a worrying trend in contemporary cinema, stating that literature is largely absent from modern films, resulting in repetitive storylines and a lack of originality. Speaking on the theme “Novel to Cinema” during the Vijay Tendulkar Memorial Lecture at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), Jeyamohan, introduced by senior playwright Satish Alekar, emphasised the importance of literature in shaping meaningful cinematic narratives. “Most current films are derived from other films,” Jeyamohan observed. “Literature is missing from them. That is why we witness similar types of films repeatedly. Five to six recurring thematic…

The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) is set to conclude with a grand closing ceremony on Thursday, 22 January, at Balgandharva Rangmandir, marking the end of eight days of cinematic celebration. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 pm, will be attended by Maharashtra’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, along with leading figures from the Indian and international film community. Dr Jabbar Patel, President and Festival Director of PIFF, confirmed that the closing ceremony will feature several prestigious honours recognising outstanding contributions to cinema and music. Veteran actors Biswajit Chatterjee, Farida Jalal, and Asha Kale will receive the…

Pune witnessed an emotionally rich cinematic showcase at the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), where Indian and international films explored themes of memory, identity, love, and human resilience. Among the most anticipated screenings was Mayasabha, the upcoming feature by Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve, which drew strong attention from film enthusiasts and critics alike. Speaking at the festival, Barve described the setting of his film as an essential character in itself. “My film has five main characters. Four are human, and the fifth is the single-screen theatre where the story unfolds,” he said. Mayasabha, featured in the Indian Cinema…

The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) continues to celebrate cinema as a reflection of humanity, drawing audiences with a diverse selection of international, regional, and independent films. Veteran actress Seema Biswas took centre stage to discuss her roles in the bilingual features Murders Too Close and Love Too Far, describing the creative journey as transformative. “Every film is a learning process,” she said, speaking to an enthusiastic audience about the films’ simple yet deeply meaningful narratives. Biswas praised her collaborators, director Dan Wolman and writer Manju Borah, for their thoughtful approach to sensitive subjects. “Working in a different country…

At the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), Marathi filmmakers opened up about their creative journeys, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the challenges and inspirations behind this year’s most talked-about independent films. The interactive session, titled “Voices of Tomorrow: Conversations with Today’s Marathi Competition,” was moderated by PIFF Deputy Director Vishal Shinde and featured both debutants and veteran directors. Jijivisha Kale, director of Tighee, reflected on her 12-year journey from assistant on Vazandar to helming her own film. She emphasized the importance of collaboration: “No matter how intense your passion is, your story cannot move forward without the right…

Indian actress Dia Mirza is celebrating 25 years in the film industry this year, marking the milestone with her iconic debut film Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. Over a quarter-century, Mirza has built a career that defies easy categorisation. Actor, producer, author, environmental advocate, and investor—each role she has undertaken reflects deliberate choices rather than detours, establishing her as one of Indian cinema’s rare modern polymaths. Cinema as a Deliberate Choice Mirza’s filmography shows a career guided by intention. From emotionally grounded roles in Thappad and Sanju to physically demanding, stereotype-defying performances in Dhak Dhak, her work consistently explores complex…

Pune, January 19, 2026: Israeli filmmaker Dan Wolman delivered a powerful message to emerging directors at the Pune International Film Festival, urging them to remain persistent and continue creating films regardless of limitations. Speaking during a session titled From Constraints to Creativity: Thriving as an Independent Filmmaker, Wolman emphasised that consistency, not perfection, is the foundation of long-term success in cinema. Addressing a hall filled with young filmmakers and cinema students, Wolman advised creatives not to wait for ideal conditions before starting projects. He encouraged directors to focus on stories that are practical to produce, suggesting the selection of narratives…