From left Alok Gupta, Ricky Kej, Bharatbala, CM Rekha Gupta, Mukesh Gupta, Rakesh Gupta and Annu Kap
As India marked its 79th Independence Day, Delhi celebrated not only freedom but also the power of storytelling. Over three days from August 8 to 10, the NCUI Auditorium on Siri Fort Road became the hub of the Celebrating India Film Festival (CIFF 2025), drawing filmmakers, actors, musicians, and audiences into a vibrant showcase of cinema and culture.
The festival opened with Madhur Bhandarkar’s India Lockdown, followed by Manoj Kumar’s epic Kranti and intimate short films such as Bahi and Pankh. Conversations in Alpha Hall, including one with filmmaker RS Prasanna, set the tone for discussions on breaking stereotypes and building culturally inclusive narratives.
On the second day, a 4K-restored Umrao Jaan mesmerised audiences, while regional gems like Venky and Sundarpur Chaos broadened the cinematic palette. Short films curated by the Film Critics Guild and documentaries such as Pavazha and Culinary Heritage of India offered vivid snapshots of the country’s stories. Notable sessions featured singer Hema Sardesai, producer Gaurav Dhingra, and director Sudipto Sengupta.
The final day opened with Call Me Dancer and the Marathi feature Mukam Post Devnacha Ghar, alongside FTII shorts including And What Is the Summer Saying and Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know. Panels on film language and culture preservation, led by critics, FTII faculty, and filmmaker Bharatbala, attracted packed halls. Delhi’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Languages, Kapil Mishra, called CIFF “a living tribute to India’s vast cultural and linguistic heritage” and proposed a government partnership for the next edition.
A highlight was Grammy Award–winner Ricky Kej’s performance of Gandhi, Mantra of Compassion, blending traditional Indian instruments with contemporary orchestration to advocate sustainability and compassion. Actor Geetanjali Mishra also joined a panel on diverse roles in Indian cinema.
In her closing address, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “We want to do everything to reawaken the city’s historical glory. Films are embedded in our culture; they employ millions, strengthen the economy, and connect us to social realities… We are preparing to bring a new state film policy, and we also want Delhi to host film shoots, Filmfare Awards, and more film festivals.”
The ceremony was attended by Dr Annu Kapoor, Bharatbala, Vijender Gupta, Manoj Tiwari, Rajeev Shukla, and singer Hema Sardesai, who dedicated a performance to the Chief Minister.
Also Read: CIFF 2025: A cinematic tribute to Indian identity
Festival CMD Mukesh Gupta called CIFF “a people’s celebration of cinema” and a cultural milestone for Delhi:
“For decades, Mumbai and Goa have been the main stages for India’s grand film festivals, but this year, Delhi claimed its own spotlight.”
From its first screening to the final standing ovation, CIFF 2025 offered not just films but a cinematic heartbeat for the capital — one that organisers and audiences alike hope will keep beating well beyond the closing credits.
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