Page 59 - NIS English 16-31 December, 2025

IFFI | ENTERTAINMENT

A Golden Saga: Celebrating
Rajinikanth’s 50-Year Iconic Film Career
The legendary actor Rajinikanth, who completed 50 years in
Indian cinema, was specially honoured at the closing
ceremony. This achievement reflects his enduring impact on
the nation’s film culture. The iconic actor, who has
mesmerised Indian audiences for half a century, expressed
his gratitude to the Central Government for this honour.
Actor Rajinikanth said, “When I look back, it feels like time
has flown by because I love cinema and acting. I would like
to live a hundred lives as an actor and as Rajinikanth. Thank
you very much for your love and affection. This honour
belongs to the entire film industry—producers, directors,
technicians, distributors, exhibitors, and everyone involved.”

‘Gondhal’ Wins Silver Peacock for Direction 56th

n Santosh Davakhar received prestigious ‘Golden Peacock’ International
the Silver Peacock Award for Award for Best Feature Film. Film Festival
his direction of the Marathi of India
film ‘Gondhal’. n Akinola Davis Jr, director
of ‘My Father’s Shadow’, countries
n Ubeimar Rios received the received the Special Jury showcased over
Silver Peacock Award for Award. 81 240 films
Best Male Actor, and Zara
Sofia Ostan received the n Karan Singh Tyagi, director films in the international
Silver Peacock Award for Best of the Hindi film ‘Kesari arena, including 13 world
Female Actress. Chapter 2’, won the Best 160 premieres.
Debut Director of an Indian
n Iranian filmmaker Hesam Feature Film. Over award-winning films and 21
Farahmand and Estonian official Oscar-nominated films
filmmaker Tonis Pil were n Bandish Bandits Season 2 80 will be screened at IFFI 2025.
declared joint winners for won the Best Web Series
Best Debut Feature Film of a (OTT) Award. n Over 55 films under the 'Cinema of
Director. n The Norwegian film the World' category and a special

n ‘Skin of Youth’, directed ‘Safe House’ receives the selection of 133 international films
by Ashley Mayfair, won the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO that have previously screened at
Gandhi Medal. various film festivals.

Film Bazaar generated revenue of over r1,050 crore WAVES Summit that this is the time for the dawn of
for emerging filmmakers, while 125 young talents the orange economy. Jaju further said that IFFI 2025
participated in the CMOT programme, demonstrat- has taken a bold step in that direction—creating
ing IFFI’s commitment to nurturing new creators. opportunities for creators and showcasing Indian
For the first time in IFFI’s history, 50 films directed talent proudly on the global stage. He also said that
by women were screened. the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) will
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of the Minis- help creators to not only hone up their skills and
try of Information & Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju stated craft but also learn the technology, which is also an
that Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the integral part of any creative production. n

December 16-31, 2025 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 57