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India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri film Boong selected as Spotlight film at Melbourne festival
'Boong', a Manipuri film supported by actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, has been selected as the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The film is set to make its Victorian state premiere in Australia this by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment, 'Boong' is directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi, who has worked as the first assistant director on major projects like 'Luck by Chance', 'Talaash', and Aamir Khan's 'PK'.advertisementSet against the backdrop of the picturesque Manipur valley, 'Boong' tells the poignant story of a young boy, Boong, portrayed by Gugun Kipgen. The narrative follows Boong's touching journey to reunite his family by surprising his mother, played by Bala Hijam, with his absentee father. This quest, filled with innocence, leads to unexpected revelations and emotional discoveries. The film has already garnered attention for its storytelling, winning several accolades. It was awarded Best Feature Film at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada, and also took home the Best Youthful Film award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia. Additionally, it won the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at The Indie Meme Film Devi has received critical acclaim for her work, earning the Best Director title at the Bulbul Children's International Film Festival in Goa. Her ability to weave a compelling narrative that resonates across cultures has been widely praised, marking her as a rising talent in the global film recognition of 'Boong' at the IFFM reflects the growing appeal of Indian regional films in international markets.- Ends
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Farhan Akhtar-Backed Manipuri Film Boong Named Spotlight Film at IFFM 2025
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 will feature Boong, a Manipuri drama by Lakshmipriya Devi, as its "Spotlight Film." The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 has chosen Boong, a Manipuri-language drama backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment, as its official 'Spotlight Film." The project will have its Victorian state premiere in Australia this August. Boong marks the directorial debut of Lakshmipriya Devi, who has built an extensive career as a first assistant director on acclaimed works such as Luck by Chance, Talaash, Aamir Khan's PK, and Mira Nair's global hit series A Suitable Boy. The film's selection underscores Excel Entertainment's ongoing focus on supporting distinctive storytelling and emerging talent from across India. Known for producing acclaimed titles that push creative boundaries, the banner is adding a Manipuri drama to its diverse portfolio for the first time. IFFM, recognised for its emphasis on culturally rich and innovative cinema, aims to celebrate originality and diversity in its 2025 line-up. Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed enthusiasm over featuring Boong as this year's centrepiece. 'We are thrilled to present the world premiere of Boong as this year's Spotlight Film. It's a story that is as bold as it is intimate, and Lakshmipriya Devi's debut is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary talent working behind the scenes in Indian cinema. IFFM has always been committed to championing new voices, and Boong is exactly the kind of story that resonates globally — deeply rooted in its context yet universally human in its emotion," Lange said. Directed with sensitivity and a clear creative vision, Boong reflects Devi's years of behind-the-camera experience and her ability to craft emotionally resonant stories. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will take place from August 14 to 24, 2025, drawing filmmakers and audiences from around the world to celebrate cinema's power to connect cultures. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Farhan Akhtar backed Manipuri film, Boong selected as the 'Spotlight Film' of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025
Directed with sensitivity and vision, Boong reflects Lakshmipriya Devi's years of experience behind the camera and her distinctive voice as a storyteller read more Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment continues its legacy of championing fresh talent and compelling storytelling with its latest production Boong, which has been officially selected as the Spotlight Film of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The highly anticipated drama will have its Victorian state premiere in Australia at the festival this August. Boong marks the directorial debut of Lakshmipriya Devi, a seasoned industry professional who has previously worked as the first assistant director on acclaimed projects including Luck by Chance, Talaash, Aamir Khan's PK, and Mira Nair's internationally celebrated series A Suitable Boy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Renowned for spotlighting culturally rich and groundbreaking Indian cinema, IFFM's 2025 line-up celebrates diversity, originality, and bold storytelling. The selection of Boong as the Spotlight Film not only introduces an exciting new voice in Indian filmmaking but also reaffirms Excel Entertainment's commitment to nurturing unique narratives and visionary creators. Speaking on the selection, Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, 'We are thrilled to present the world premiere of Boong as this year's Spotlight Film. It's a story that is as bold as it is intimate, and Lakshmipriya Devi's debut is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary talent working behind the scenes in Indian cinema. IFFM has always been committed to championing new voices, and Boong is exactly the kind of story that resonates globally — deeply rooted in its context yet universally human in its emotion.' Directed with sensitivity and vision, Boong reflects Lakshmipriya Devi's years of experience behind the camera and her distinctive voice as a storyteller. Its premiere at IFFM 2025 marks a significant milestone for a filmmaker whose journey has come full circle — from assisting on iconic films to leading her own. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will be held in August 2025 between 14-24 August, bringing together cinematic talents from across the globe and offering a premier platform for Indian films to connect with international audiences.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
You can't question the jury: Shoojit Sircar on SRK, Kerala Story National Awards row
Amid ongoing debate over Shah Rukh Khan winning Best Actor and 'The Kerala Story' being adjudged Best Film at the recent National Film Awards, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has emphasised that the final decision rests entirely with the appointed jury. He said that their decision should not be an interview with Hindustan Times, he said, 'I feel that there is no point debating this from the outside. You leave it to the jury. We might agree to disagree on many things, but finally, what matters is, who is the jury there. Because that jury is going to be your final word, and you leave it to their sensibility. You can't question what award they have given. I think we would rather question that before they start. Who is the jury? What are their sensibilities?"advertisementThe 'Piku' and 'Sardar Udham' director is currently serving on the jury of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for the second year in a row, selecting the Best Short Films at the event. Though he usually avoids such roles, Sircar said he made an exception for IFFM. 'IFFM is very dear to me. The organisers are dear friends and this particular festival is almost like a family affair. This is my fifth or sixth visit there. I normally don't participate in juries and being a judge. But for this, I made an exception,' he the process of judging cinema 'very difficult,' he outlined his approach, 'Before we start, we tell everyone that there are certain elements that they should take into consideration. There are technicalities where you can really possibly judge the craft. Then, you should celebrate the film that really makes a difference. And then, the voice and vision of the director are very important.""You look at films that bring a lot of social change and have a long-lasting impact. Of course, there are technicalities to look into it, in terms of cinematography, editing, direction, actors, everything,' the filmmaker a moment from his own career when 'Sardar Udham' did not make the panorama selection for the 2021 International Film Festival of India, Sircar said, 'When Sardar Udham's panorama selection didn't happen, I was asked the same things. I will say what I said then: 'Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it'.'The 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from August 14 to August 24.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shoojit Sircar defends National Film Awards jury amid controversy over Shah Rukh Khan and The Kerala Story wins: ‘You can't question what…'
After the National Film Award winners were announced recently, many people expressed disappointment over Shah Rukh Khan winning the Best Actor award and The Kerala Story bagging the Best Film award. In a recent interview, Shoojit Sircar defended the National Film Awards jury, stating that it's the panel's call. During a conversation with Hindustan Times, Sircar stated, 'I feel that there is no point debating this from the outside. You leave it to the jury. We might agree to disagree on many things, but finally, what matters is, who is the jury there. Because that jury is going to be your final word, and you leave it to their sensibility. You can't question what award they have given. I think we would rather question that before they start. Who is the jury? What are their sensibilities?' Shoojit Sircar is also a part of the jury of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), for the second consecutive year. He is responsible for choosing the Best Short Films at the festival. Ahead of IFFM 2025, Shoojit spoke about the experience of judging and said, 'IFFM is very dear to me. The organisers are dear friends and this particular festival is almost like a family affair. This is my fifth or sixth visit there. I normally don't participate in juries. But for this, I made an exception,' he said. ALSO READ | 'How is Shah Rukh Khan Best Actor and Vijayaraghavan a Supporting actor?' Urvashi slams National Film Awards jury: 'Not pension money' However, the director mentioned that judging cinema is 'very difficult'. 'Before we start, we tell everyone that there are certain elements that they should take into consideration. There are technical aspects that allow you to genuinely assess the craft. Then, you should celebrate the film that really makes a difference. And then, the voice and vision of the director are very important. You look at films that bring a lot of social change and have a long-lasting impact. Of course, there are technicalities to look into it, in terms of cinematography, editing, direction, actors, everything,' Shoojit explained. 'When Sardar Udham's panorama selection (for the 2021 International Film Festival of India) didn't happen, I was asked the same things. I will say what I said then: 'Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it',' he concluded.
