Giant cut-outs of Rajinikanth in his superhero costume line the road alongside picturesque Mandovi River as Goa prepares to host the annual International Film Festival of India on November 20.
Rajinikanth, 63, will arrive in his chartered plane to attend the IFFI’s inaugural function on Thursday, said director of the film festival Shankar Mohan, who, along with Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) officials, is busy with the final touches of the 45th event.
Rajinikanth, successful in both the Hindi and southern film industries, will be presented the Special Centenary Award during the festival for his contribution to cinema.
Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan will be the special guest for the inauguration ceremony that will be held at Dr Shama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium near Panaji.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley will be the chief guest for the function where Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union MoS for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore will also be present.
The inauguration will be compered by veteran actor Anupam Kher and noted actress Raveena Tondon.
“Over the years, IFFI has emerged as a major event on the calendar of international cinema. Undoubtedly, this festival has proven to be a significant platform for Indian cinema, enabling it to emerge as a distinct genre in world cinema,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message to festival organisers.
“By showcasing films in different languages and from diverse cultures, IFFI contributes to the important task of breaking down boundaries between nations and cultures,” the message from the PM said.
Mohan said the festival organisers have brought back the practice of publicly screening movies, which was discontinued some years ago.
Veteran filmmaker the late Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi will launch the public screenings at D. B. Bandodkar stadium, near Kala Academy.
“Anyone can watch the movies. One popular movie will be screened every day so that we involve the common people into the festival,” the director said.
The delegates, who had to brave the humid climate while queueing up for tickets, will now have some respite as the organisers have put up air-conditioned tents near the theatres for their convenience.
