The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is poised to bring glamour, nostalgia, and cinematic excellence to the beaches of Goa this November. Scheduled to run from November 20 to 28, the festival promises a star-studded lineup of red carpet premieres, iconic film screenings, and exciting appearances by Bollywood and South Indian cinema stars.

Among the most anticipated events are the premieres of several upcoming films, drawing the main cast members to the festival. 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar and Rashi Khanna, will make its red carpet debut, followed by Gustaakh Ishq featuring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein, with Kriti Sanon and Dhanush in lead roles, is also set to feature prominently. Fans will have another treat with the premiere of the third season of the critically acclaimed web series The Family Man, starring Manoj Bajpayee, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharib Hashmi, and Nimrat Kaur.

But the festival is not only about new releases. Nostalgia will play a key role in this year’s IFFI, with special screenings of iconic films that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. The 1994 musical romance 1942: A Love Story will be showcased, bringing together veteran actors Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor for a special appearance. Equally significant is the much-awaited 4K remastered version of the classic blockbuster Sholay, which will be screened for the first time in India in its upgraded format. Director-producer Ramesh Sippy and legendary actress Hema Malini are expected to grace the occasion, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of Bollywood’s golden era.

The 56th IFFI will also witness a departure from tradition in its opening celebrations. Rather than a standard gala, the festival will host a grand parade featuring nearly all major film production houses. The parade will feature elaborate tableaus representing films and production banners, creating a spectacle of colour, creativity, and cinematic history along the streets of Goa. This change in format reflects the festival’s ambition to not only celebrate films on screen but also bring the film industry closer to audiences in an interactive and visually stunning manner.

With its mix of contemporary premieres, web series highlights, and iconic film retrospectives, IFFI 2025 aims to offer something for every cinephile. From Bollywood and regional cinema to international productions, the festival will showcase the evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking while paying homage to its rich heritage.

This year’s festival also signals a growing trend of integrating digital and streaming content with traditional cinema showcases. By including web series such as The Family Man, IFFI acknowledges the increasingly blurred lines between conventional film, digital content, and global audiences, ensuring that the festival remains relevant in an era of rapidly changing viewership habits.

As the dates draw near, excitement is building among film enthusiasts, industry insiders, and fans alike. With a carefully curated mix of stars, premieres, and classic films, the 56th IFFI promises to be a celebration of Indian cinema in all its diversity, spectacle, and enduring charm.

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