Latest news with #KASHISH
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mandi cast reunite at a pride film festival to honour Shyam Benegal's legacy
In a moment of cinematic nostalgia and quiet celebration, the 16th Kashish Pride Film Festival brought the cast and crew of Mandi (1983) back together after 42 years. The reunion took place on the evening of June 6, as part of a tribute to filmmaker Shyam Benegal , a long-time patron of the festival and a pioneer of socially engaged Indian cinema . Held in Mumbai, the screening was part of a retrospective honouring Benegal's fearless storytelling — known for its sharp take on power, patriarchy, and sexuality. The event struck a chord with audiences and cast members alike, many of whom described the experience as deeply emotional. Actor and singer Ila Arun, who debuted with the film, said watching it again was like 'reliving the entire experience.' Soni Razdan echoed the sentiment, noting how Mandi was 'truly ahead of its time' and a project shaped by collaboration, experimentation, and a willingness to push boundaries. The film's ensemble cast had camped together in Hyderabad during its shoot — an unconventional production model that Razdan said helped create the 'kaleidoscopic mad caper' that audiences still remember today. Joy Bimal Roy, who began his career as Benegal's assistant on Mandi , recalled the director's egalitarian approach on set: 'He treated senior actors and juniors alike with respect. Watching the film again after 43 years was a flood of memories.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The tribute held special meaning for Pia Benegal, costume designer and daughter of the late director. She highlighted her father's commitment to 'exploring stories from the margins' and his belief in inclusive storytelling — values that align closely with KASHISH's ethos. Festival Director Sridhar Rangayan described the Mandi reunion as 'a dream come true,' noting that Benegal's work continues to inspire contemporary filmmakers with its blend of compassion, courage, and creative risk. As the festival celebrates a new wave of queer narratives, the Mandi screening stood as both a nod to the past and a reminder of the timeless relevance of films that dared to challenge the status quo.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Daniel Craig's Queer and Elliot Page's Close To You to Bookend KASHISH 2025
Mumbai's KASHISH Pride Film Festival marks its 16th edition in June 2025, showcasing 152 LGBTQ+ films from 48 countries. Opening with 'Queer' and closing with 'Close To You,' the festival emphasizes 'Love = Peace' and celebrates diverse stories. The event features Indian cinema, including Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun,' and honors Shyam Benegal with a screening of 'Mandi'. Mumbai's iconic KASHISH Pride Film Festival returns for its 16th edition this June, once again asserting its place as South Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ film festival. The 2025 edition will run from June 4 to June 8, kicking off with an opening ceremony at St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra, followed by screenings at Cinepolis, Andheri West and Alliance Française, Marine Lines. Global Highlights, Local Voices A total of 152 films from 48 countries will be screened, with entries from as far afield as Iceland, Peru, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, and Palestine. The strong South Asian presence continues with films from India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. India leads the tally with 37 films, followed by the USA (34) and the UK (19). This year's selection includes a dynamic mix of documentaries, short films, and narratives that reflect a broad and evolving LGBTQ+ experience. 'Queer' to open, 'Close To You' to close The festival opens with Queer, a film by Luca Guadagnino, featuring Daniel Craig, and concludes with Close To You, directed by Dominic Savage and starring Elliot Page, who also serves as producer. Other notable international titles include the Dutch documentary Out by Dennis Alink, and Odd Fish by Snævar Sölvason, set in an Icelandic coastal town. A Movement, Not Just a Festival 'KASHISH has always taken on challenges in its stride and emerged stronger,' said Sridhar Rangayan, Founder and Festival Director. 'With our move back to the suburbs and a line-up that appeals to younger audiences, the festival hopes to infuse new energy. Sixteen years ago, we laid the first bricks of Indian queer cinema . Today, we're witnessing an entire movement rising — brave, brilliant, and uncompromising.' This year's theme, 'Love = Peace,' carries added resonance. 'Peace isn't just the absence of conflict — it's the presence of love,' said Saagar Gupta, Artistic Director. 'Love for who we are, for each other, and for every identity that makes us whole.' Indian Cinema in Focus The Indian Narrative Centrepiece is Onir's award-winning We Are Faheem & Karun, while the International Narrative Centrepiece is Three Kilometers To The End Of The World by Romanian director Emanuel Pârvu. KASHISH will also pay tribute to its patron Shyam Benegal with a screening of his landmark 1983 film Mandi, featuring a star-studded cast including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Neena Gupta, Naseeruddin Shah, and Pankaj Kapur. Open to All The festival promises a celebration of diverse LGBTQ+ stories and offers discounted registrations for students, senior citizens, and transgender persons. With a compelling mix of cinema, conversation, and community, KASHISH 2025 aims to be more than a festival—it's a space for visibility, pride, and cultural dialogue.
