Goa is all set to host the 54th International Film Festival of India, scheduled from November 20 to November 28. The prestigious event is set to feature a compelling lineup of 25 feature films and 20 short films, including four noteworthy Tamil films.
The first film in the spotlight is none other than Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan 2. Widely regarded as one of the director’s most ambitious projects, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Trisha, and Jayam Ravi. Adapted from Kalki’s eponymous novel, this cinematic endeavour by Mani Ratnam represents a milestone in Indian filmmaking. The narrative of the novel is ingeniously divided into two movies and both parts will be showcased at the festival.
Another striking addition to the festival’s lineup is Vetri Maaran’s powerful creation, Viduthalai. Set in the turbulent backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s Makkal Padai insurrection in 1987, the film centres on Kumaresan (Soori), an honourable constable tasked with capturing Perumal (Vijay Sethupathi), a wanted separatist leader. Viduthalai delves into themes of abuse of authority, caste disparities, and police brutality, offering a hard-hitting portrayal of the socio-political landscape.
Adding a distinctive dimension to the selection, Kaadhal Enbathu Podhu Udamai, directed by Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan, explores the seldom-addressed subject of homosexuality in Tamil cinema. The film, featuring Lijimol Jose and Anusha, has generated significant attention for its audacious approach to a topic that remains largely unexplored in the industry.
Lastly, the festival will showcase Neela Nira Sooriyan, the directorial debut of Samyuktha Vijayan. The film centres around a Coimbatore schoolteacher who embarks on a gender transition journey from male to female. Samyuktha, a trans woman herself, brings her personal experiences and insights to this narrative. As the film’s director, producer, and lead actor, Samyuktha has woven elements of her life into the storyline, illustrating a poignant and deeply personal exploration of identity.
Comments
0 comment