(Image source from: Facebook/IndianFilmFestivalOfMelbourne)

One of the largest award-winning film festivals in the world - the tenth Indian Film Festival of Melbourne began Thursday with a grand opening press conference at Melbourne’s Central Business District.

The director of the film festival, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, introduced the programs of the festival.

The opening event attended by many Bollywood famous personalities including Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Tabu. Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries for the Victorian Legislative Assembly, was also present at the bash.

Shah Rukh Khan, the guest of honor at the festival, spoke about how much the city means to him.

He said: “Many years ago in 2006-07, I came here when I was a rising superstar giving hit films after hit films. And now I am back here again, still, a rising superstar not making as many hit films (chuckles), as much as I would want to do so. I thank everyone for the opportunity to speak here. When I was shooting for Chak De in the city, I used to play Trivial (a game) with crew members on set. Because of being an Indian film actor, we often feel localized. It’s thus heartening that because of the Indian diaspora - the second generation of Indians here (people like Mitu) Indian cinema is getting noticed. It’s extremely gratifying and makes every Indian proud. I speak for everyone on the dais today, that we are happy to be here.”

                       (Image source from: Facebook/IndianFilmFestivalOfMelbourne)

Tamil film Super Deluxe has been nominated for three honors opposite several Bollywood box office movies such as Andhadhun, Gully Boy, Badhaai Ho and Sui Dhaaga in Australia. Vijay Sethupathi, for his role of transgender Shilpa in Super Deluxe and it’s director Thiagarajan Kumararaja are up for awards.

Karan Johar, addressing the audience at the event, said: “I have to start by thanking Mitu who has been such a strong force right through the festival. It’s not the films but the people behind the festival who make it what it is. When I see this fantastic panel and we say the theme is courage, I say the panel is reflective of the glorious courage of our films and changing the face of Indian cinema. It represents three feature films that have changed the way we look at Indian cinema and how it has traveled across the globe and will continue to do so.

“There is Super Deluxe, Andhadhun and Gully Boy. All of these have appealed not only to the diaspora but to international audiences across the globe, making Indian cinema so proud. And what to say about Shah Rukh Khan, he fully represents superstardom. I firmly believe, in the era, we belonged to, the term is understood because of him. It’s not just about his large heart but his tremendous presence and aura. The fact that he is an outstanding actor is the hugest icing on the cake. I look forward to my time here and all the selection of movies is on point and resonant with the theme of courage.”

Also in attendance were Zoya Akhtar, Rima Das, Thiagarajan Kumararaja, Vijay Sethupathi, Arjun Kapoor, Tabu, Gayathrie Shankar and filmmaker Sriram Raghavan.

                       (Image source from: The Hindu)

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which will go on from the 8th of August to the 15th of August in Melbourne, Australia., will screen more than 60 films from all across India and the subcontinent in over 22 languages.

By Sowmya Sangam