Latest news with #KASHISHPrideFilmFestival
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
42 years later, Mandi cast reunites at Kashish 2025 to honour Shyam Benegal
The 16th KASHISH Pride Film Festival honored Shyam Benegal with a Mandi reunion after 42 years, celebrating his socially conscious filmmaking. Cast members like Ila Arun and Soni Razdan shared emotional reflections on the film's progressive themes and Benegal's inclusive vision. The tribute highlighted his lasting impact on Indian cinema and the festival's core values. The 16th edition of the KASHISH Pride Film Festival, South Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ film festival, witnessed a moving cinematic moment as the cast and crew of Mandi (1983) reunited after 42 years. The special tribute honoured legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal , who served as the festival's patron since 2011 and was celebrated for his fearless, socially aware storytelling. Part of a retrospective on Benegal's cinematic legacy, the screening of Mandi at Cinepolis, Andheri (W), captivated audiences with its progressive themes, layered characters, and bold exploration of power, patriarchy, and sexuality — elements that made it a landmark in Indian cinema. Soni Razdan and Ila Arun Actor and singer Ila Arun, who made her debut in Mandi, shared an emotional response: 'I had tears in my eyes, I actually choked. Watching Mandi again was like reliving the experience. It was my first film, and we truly worked like a family. So many layers, so much depth. All my prayers to you, Shyam, with gratitude and love.' Soni Razdan, another prominent cast member, reflected on the film's pathbreaking journey, 'The uniqueness that is Mandi is no accident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Most of us were newcomers, camping out with a few seasoned actors in Hyderabad for two months. The result was this kaleidoscopic mad caper, truly ahead of its time. Even today, making a film like Mandi would be nearly impossible. That was a brave new era of filmmaking.' Filmmaker Joy Bimal Roy, who began his career assisting Benegal on Mandi, praised the director's humility, 'Shyam was incredibly democratic, treating senior actors and junior assistants with equal respect. Seeing Mandi again after 43 years brought back a flood of memories.' The tribute was especially meaningful for Pia Benegal, costume designer and daughter of Shyam Benegal, 'We are deeply honoured that Kashish is celebrating my father's legacy. As a proud patron of the festival, he believed in inclusive storytelling and championed voices from the margins. Mandi reflects not just his artistic brilliance but also his unwavering commitment to cinema that challenges conventions.' Sridhar Rangayan, Festival Director, summed up the sentiment, 'Shyam Benegal's work reflects the core values of Kashish — compassion, courage, and creative expression. Celebrating him through the Mandi cast reunion was a dream come true. His films continue to inspire generations.' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
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.
