14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne begins

The 14th instalment of the  Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) commenced on Friday. The first day of the event was attended by film personalities, including Karan Johar,  Kartik Aaryan, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Varma, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Kanu Behl, and Prithivi Konanur.

IFFM has emerged as a global platform that fosters cultural exchange and appreciation of cinema. Beginning on 11th August, the festival will go on till 20th August this year.

During the inaugural ceremony, Karan Johar said, "This is my third time at IFFM. And I'm so grateful to the warmth and grace of the festival and everyone involved with it. I'm here joined by many fellow of the Indian film fraternity, and I'm honoured to be amongst such impeccable talent. We have such iconic filmmakers and actors like the team of Sita Raman, a movie I have loved, Vijay Varma, who can practically do any role given to him. Or Kartik, who has given us films that resonate with the entire country and has given films that brought people back to the theatres".

Reflecting on his love for the Indian diaspora in the continent, Kartik said, "I'm so overwhelmed to be in Australia, the love from the Indian community has been both surprising and overwhelming. Never thought there would be so much love and fanfare for Indian cinema in Australia".

Speaking about the festival, Mrunal said,  "When I came to IFFM with Love Sonia, I didn't have any plans or idea where my career would go. But I met Nikkhil Advani sir here in Melbourne, who then offered me Batla House and even my producers of Sita Raman, I met in Melbourne. So this festival holds a very special place in my heart. I always love coming back here".