Entertainment

IFFI 2025 Unveils Goan Films Lineup & Cultural Celebrations for Its 56th Edition


The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held from 20th to 28th November 2025, bringing together cinema lovers, filmmakers, and cultural performers from across India and the world. As part of its commitment to promoting Goan talent, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has announced the selection of Goan films in the special Goan Director’s Cut and Goan Producer’s Cut sections.

This year, ESG received 17 entries across Feature and Non-Feature segments, out of which 5 films have been selected by the esteemed jury.

Jury Members

ESG expressed gratitude to the respected jury:

  • P. Sheshadri – Chairman of Jury
  • Priya Krishnaswamy – Jury Member
  • Rajeev Bhatia – Jury Member

The panel, comprising noted professionals from the Indian film industry, evaluated the entries with expertise and dedication.


Selected Films

Goan Director’s Cut

  1. ZERO BULB – Directed by Soham Prasad Bhende (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  2. HALAD – Directed by Sobita Kudtarkar (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  3. MY DAD INVENTED THE VADAPAV – ASHOK VAIDYA AND SONS – Directed by Sainath Uskaikar (Non-Feature, Non-Premiere)

Goan Producer’s Cut

  1. MERAKI, BY THE SEA – Produced by Dr. Gwendolynn De Ornelas (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  2. GHAR – Produced by Sahit Studios LLP (Non-Feature, Premiere)

ESG congratulated all directors, producers, cast, crew, and contributors whose films have been selected for the prestigious IFFI screenings.


Inside IFFI 2025: What’s New This Year

Open-Air Screenings

Films will be screened at:

  • Miramar Beach
  • Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda
  • Vagator Beach Parking (Helipad)

IFFI Mile

A lively stretch from ESG to Kala Academy featuring stalls, installations, and public-engagement activities.

Grand IFFI Float Parade – 20 November 2025

Replacing the traditional opening ceremony, the Float Parade will begin at Old GMC Building at 3:30 PM and proceed to Kala Academy, celebrating:
“Indian Cinema, India on Global Platform and the Future of Cinema.”

Segment 1 – Goan Cultural Floats

12 Goan groups participate.
Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹3,50,000
  • 2nd – ₹3,00,000
  • 3rd – ₹2,50,000
  • 4th – ₹2,00,000
  • 5th – ₹1,50,000
  • 5 Consolation – ₹1,00,000 each
  • All non-winners receive ₹30,000 remuneration.

Segment 2 – Promotional Floats

Featuring production houses, media platforms, and creative collectives.
Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹2,50,000
  • 2nd – ₹2,00,000
  • 3rd – ₹1,50,000
  • 4th – ₹1,25,000
  • 5th – ₹1,00,000
  • Non-winners receive ₹30,000 remuneration.

Romtamel Competition (21–25 November)

Showcasing Goa’s traditional Romtamel art form with 10 leading performance groups.

Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹3,00,000
  • 2nd – ₹2,50,000
  • 3rd – ₹2,00,000
  • 4th – ₹1,75,000
  • 5th – ₹1,50,000
  • 5 Consolation – ₹1,00,000 each

Transport Facilities for Delegates

Free services include:

  • Rickshaws, pool cars, and KTC electric buses (8:30 AM till last screening)
  • Bus Routes:
  1. Miramar Circle ↔ INOX Porvorim
  2. Miramar Circle ↔ Magic Moviez, Ponda
  3. Miramar ↔ Ravindra Bhavan, Margao

IFFI 2025 promises a grand cinematic and cultural celebration that blends Goan creativity with India’s vibrant film heritage.

Entertainment

Priyadarshan Shares Heartwarming Moment with Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal on the Sets of Haiwaan


Ace filmmaker Priyadarshan has offered fans a warm glimpse into a special moment from the sets of his upcoming film Haiwaan, featuring two celebrated actors—Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal.

In a heartfelt note, Priyadarshan shared his delight at directing the duo, calling it “a rare joy”. He expressed that working with Saif Ali Khan brought back memories of his cricket-loving days, as Saif is the son of one of his early sporting heroes. He paired this sentiment with admiration for Mohanlal, whom he described as his favourite film icon and a long-standing collaborator.

The picture from the set showcases warmth, camaraderie, and the creative energy that has always defined Priyadarshan’s filmmaking spaces. The director’s emotional reflection also highlights the unique generational connection—linking his admiration for Saif’s legendary father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi with his own cinematic journey alongside Mohanlal.

As Haiwaan continues its production, this behind-the-scenes glimpse has already generated excitement among fans of all three industry stalwarts. The film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic releases, blending powerhouse talent from across Indian cinema.

Stay tuned for more updates on Haiwaan exclusively on allycaral.com.

Entertainment

Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa Welcome Baby Girl on Their Wedding Anniversary


It’s a beautiful double celebration for one of Bollywood’s most loved couples, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, as they welcomed their baby girl on the very day they marked their wedding anniversary.

The actors shared the happy news with their fans through a heartfelt social media post, calling their newborn daughter “the greatest blessing.” The announcement was filled with gratitude and joy, reflecting the deep love the couple has always expressed for each other and their family.

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, who tied the knot in November 2021 after over a decade of togetherness, have often been admired for their grounded personalities and genuine bond. This new chapter in their lives has made their anniversary even more special.

Fans, friends, and industry colleagues poured in warm wishes for the new parents, celebrating the double milestone with heartfelt messages.

As the couple steps into parenthood, their joy marks a beautiful reminder of love, growth, and new beginnings.

Entertainment

Sania Mirza Opens Up on Emotional Struggles Post Separation: “Farah Khan Saved Me That Day”


Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza has always been known for her strength — both on and off the court. But in a rare and heartfelt moment, she opened up about her emotional struggles following her separation from former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, sharing how her close friend Farah Khan stood by her during one of her darkest times.

During a candid chat, Sania revealed an incident where she nearly broke down before going on a live show.

“I don’t want to mention it on camera,” Sania said, “but there was a moment that was one of the lowest points. You showed up on my set, and I had to go live after that. I was shivering. If you hadn’t come there, I wouldn’t have done that show. You told me, ‘No matter what, you are doing this show.’”

Responding to this, Farah Khan said,

“I got so scared. I have never seen you get a panic attack. I had to shoot that day, but I left everything and came in my pyjamas and chappals.”

The heart-to-heart between the two icons has touched fans across social media, serving as a reminder of the importance of genuine friendship and emotional support — especially for women in the spotlight.

Despite her personal struggles, Sania continues to inspire millions with her resilience and honesty, proving that vulnerability can be a form of strength.

A moment of truth, courage, and friendship — one that reflects the real Sania Mirza.

#SaniaMirza #FarahKhan #ShoaibMalik #Allycaral #WomenInSports #EmotionalStrength #Friendship #Bollywood #CelebrityStories

Entertainment

Shagun Sharma Confirms Relationship with Co-Star Aman Gandhi from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2


The television world has witnessed another heartwarming off-screen love story! Actress Shagun Sharma, known for her striking performances, has confirmed that she’s in a relationship with her Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 co-star Aman Gandhi — who, interestingly, plays her younger brother on-screen.

In a candid interview with Hauterfly, Shagun opened up about their relationship, clarifying that the two have been together long before they joined the cast of the popular Smriti Irani-led drama.

“These are not rumours; it’s true,” Shagun said, addressing the ongoing buzz. “We didn’t start dating on the show — we were already seeing each other before that.”

The actress further shared that when she was approached for the show, Aman had already been finalized for the role of Ritik Virani. Before signing the contract, she spoke to Aman about how they would handle the unusual situation of portraying siblings on-screen.

“We both wanted to make sure it wouldn’t feel awkward or affect our work. Once we were comfortable, we decided to go ahead. We’re professionals at the end of the day,” she added.

The revelation has since gone viral among fans of the show, who have flooded social media with support and admiration for the couple’s honesty and maturity.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 continues to draw attention not just for its dramatic plotlines but also for this off-screen story of love and understanding.

#ShagunSharma #AmanGandhi #KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi2 #SmritiIrani #TVLoveStories #CelebrityCouple #EntertainmentNews #IndianTelevision #Allycaral