Superstar Rajinikanth will be felicitated at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, celebrating his remarkable 50-year journey in Indian cinema.The festival is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, showcasing a diverse lineup of films and cinematic talent from across the globe.
This year’s edition will feature over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, four international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres. Organisers revealed that IFFI 2025 received a record 2,314 film submissions from 127 countries, underscoring its growing international prominence.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the festival’s continued commitment to inclusivity and innovation.“IFFI 2025 marks a significant chapter as it embraces inclusivity and diversity, showcasing voices from all corners of the world while spotlighting Indian regional cinema’s rich tapestry. By introducing programmes focused on emerging filmmakers and digital storytelling, IFFI is nurturing platforms that champion new talent and celebrate the evolution of filmmaking in the digital age,” Vaishnaw said in a press note.
The opening film of the festival will be ‘The Blue Trail’, a sci-fi fantasy directed by Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro, which earlier won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival 2025. The film follows the journey of a 75-year-old woman through the Amazon rainforest.<>
