Events in Goa

WAVES Film Bazaar Launches in Goa, Celebrates Global Filmmaking Collaboration


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The WAVES Film Bazaar, South Asia’s premier global film market, officially opened today at the Marriott Resort in Panjim, Goa, with a vibrant inaugural ceremony attended by distinguished leaders, policymakers, filmmakers, and international delegates. Held annually alongside the International Film Festival of India, the 19th edition of the Bazaar, now rebranded as WAVES Film Bazaar, serves as a global hub for filmmakers, producers, sales agents, festival programmers, and distributors seeking creative and financial partnerships. Scheduled from November 20th to 24th, the market features 300 film projects and welcomes delegations from over seven countries.

Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated the event, describing the Bazaar as a “complete ecosystem of screenings, masterclasses, and technology showcases.” Highlighting the market’s alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of “converting art into commerce,” he emphasized the world’s first e-marketplace for filmmakers, which facilitates collaboration between creators and countries. Shri Jaju also noted the curated projects, cash grants, and structured feedback mechanisms, alongside India’s first-ever AI Film Festival and Hackathon as key milestones in embracing the future of cinematic technology.

Guest of Honour Ms. Jaewon Kim, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, lauded the organisers’ dedication since the festival’s inception and expressed hope for strong India-Korea collaborations. She added a memorable moment by performing a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram, earning a standing ovation from the audience. Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, praised the Bazaar for empowering young storytellers and new voices, highlighting the participation of 124 new creators this year. He described the event as a bridge connecting creators and producers while projecting Indian culture and content on the global stage. Additional Secretary Shri Prabhat delivered the vote of thanks, rounding off a ceremony that celebrated creativity and industry leadership.

The inaugural event was further enriched by the presence of IFFI Festival Director and acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, actors Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna and Shri Anupam Kher, Jerome Paillard, Advisor to Waves Bazaar, Australian film director Garth Davis, and Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC. Together, they underscored the Bazaar’s role as a dynamic confluence of artistic vision, innovation, and global collaboration, setting the tone for an inspiring and transformative week of cinematic exchange.

Business

Ranveer Singh Unveils ‘Rangeela Vodka’: A Vivid, High-Energy Take on Luxury Spirits


Ranveer Singh, Bollywood’s undisputed king of colour and charisma, has stepped into the world of luxury spirits with the launch of Rangeela Vodka — a brand that perfectly captures his electrifying persona.

From the first look, Rangeela Vodka stands out. The bottle design is drenched in vibrant hues, bold typography, and playful energy — a reflection of Ranveer’s signature fashion aesthetic and fearless personality.

Crafted for those who love life in full colour, the vodka is positioned as more than just a beverage. It’s an immersive lifestyle experience — one that celebrates self-expression, celebration, and joy.

“Rangeela Vodka is for the bold, the spirited, and the unapologetically fun,” the brand notes, highlighting its mission to inject personality into every pour.

With India’s celebrity-led spirit market expanding rapidly, Ranveer’s entry marks a colourful new chapter — and one that’s likely to make waves among both fans and connoisseurs.

Whether enjoyed at parties, private gatherings or stylish home bars, Rangeela Vodka promises a technicolor twist to luxury.

Cheers to a sip that’s as loud, lively and unforgettable as the man behind it.

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

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

Events in Goa

Countdown to IFFI 2025 Begins: 56th Edition Promises 240+ Films, Global Premieres & Creative Innovation


Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

The countdown to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) officially began with a curtain-raiser event held in New Delhi, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most vibrant editions yet. The festival, to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025, will feature over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 5 international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres. With a record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, IFFI continues to strengthen its place on the global festival map as a platform celebrating cinematic excellence and innovation.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, announced that this year’s festival will focus on inclusivity, innovation, and emerging talent. More than 50 women directors will have their films showcased, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in cinema. The festival will also continue its OTT awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in streaming content, while introducing measures to simplify film certification and strengthen anti-piracy laws. The Ministry’s new “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” film certification will encourage multi-language productions, reinforcing cultural unity.

IFFI 2025 will feature Japan as the Country of Focus, with Spain and Australia joining as Partner and Spotlight countries respectively. The lineup will include over 80 award-winning festival titles and 21 official Oscar-nominated films. The Opening Film, The Blue Trail by Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro, will set the tone for the festival with its poetic exploration of freedom and resilience. Among other highlights, the Gala Premieres segment will host 18 films, featuring red-carpet events and world-class talent.

The festival will also pay centenary tributes to Indian cinema legends Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, showcasing some of their most iconic works. Superstar Rajinikanth will be felicitated at the closing ceremony, marking his 50 years in cinema. The Indian Panorama section will feature 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films, and 5 debut features, with Amaran (Tamil) opening the Feature category.

The Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative continues to grow, with 124 selected participants competing in a 48-hour filmmaking challenge in collaboration with ShortsTV. The 19th edition of the WAVES Film Bazaar will offer over 300 projects for co-production, financing, and global collaborations. With a focus on technology, the Tech Pavilion will showcase innovations in AI, VFX, CGI, and animation.

Masterclasses and panels will bring together cinematic icons including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Ravi Varman, and Sreekar Prasad, offering insights into evolving storytelling, acting, and technology. The international jury, chaired by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, includes distinguished members from Australia, England, Germany, and Sri Lanka.

Accessibility remains a key focus, with multilingual dubbing, sign language interpretation, and audio description across all major venues in Panjim, Porvorim, and Madgaon. Open-air screenings at Miramar and Anjuna beaches will continue to celebrate cinema under the stars.

Festival Director Shekhar Kapur emphasized that India, as the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation, is uniquely positioned to lead global storytelling. He described the Film Bazaar as a movement empowering young creators through technology and collaboration, while viewing Artificial Intelligence as a creative ally for storytellers.

With its powerful mix of global cinema, technology-driven experiences, and cultural celebration, IFFI 2025 reaffirms India’s place at the crossroads of creativity, collaboration, and cinematic excellence.