Get ready for a cinematic extravaganza! The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is bringing a unique experience to movie lovers with a twist on classic films. But here’s the twist: these movies will be showcased in an inflatable cinema, offering a new dimension to the viewing experience.
Three iconic films starring the legendary Shah Rukh Khan will grace the big (or should we say, inflatable) screen for the very first time. This innovative initiative is a collaboration between the National Film Development Corporation, Entertainment Society of Goa, and PictureTime Digiplex, a mobile digital theatre company.
The lineup includes the beloved sports drama ‘Chak De! India’, the romantic thriller ‘Darr’, and the timeless romance ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’. These films will be presented in a whole new light, quite literally, as they inflate on the screen. And this is just the beginning!
The festival’s programming is a celebration of Indian cinema’s diversity, divided into four captivating categories. The ‘Inspirational Films’ category will motivate and uplift, featuring the coming-of-age story ’12th Fail’ and the heartwarming ‘Manjummel Boys’. In the ‘Indian Panorama Classics’ section, discover the masterpieces of Satyajit Ray and Mira Nair, including ‘Shatranj Ke Khilari’ and ‘Salaam Bombay!’. For a trip down memory lane, the ‘Nostalgia’ category presents Vijay Anand’s ‘Teesri Manzil’ and Yash Chopra’s ‘Chandni’. And let’s not forget the young cinephiles! Daily children’s programming includes the delightful ‘Kaphal: Wild Berries’ and ‘Gattu’.
The inflatable theatre, set up at the prestigious Kala Academy, will become a hub for film enthusiasts, accommodating over 1,000 visitors daily. But PictureTime doesn’t stop there. They will also host open-air screenings across Goa, bringing the magic of cinema to local residents.
Sushil Chaudhary, the visionary behind PictureTime Digiplex, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “…nurturing early audiences is essential for the future of film appreciation.” And he’s right! But here’s where it gets controversial: is this innovative screening method a passing fad or the future of film festivals?
PictureTime’s journey with IFFI began in 2017 with the Bioscope Village, and they’ve been pushing boundaries ever since. Will this unique cinema experience become a staple at film festivals, or is it just a temporary novelty? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!