Superstar Rajinikanth, ‘Baahubali’ Prabhas To Attend The Kolkata Film Festival

Superstar Rajinikanth and ‘Baahubali’ actor Prabhas are among the prominent names expected at the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), scheduled from December 17 to 23. The festival, one of the biggest events organised during former chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, is set for a major makeover under Suvendu Adhikari government, with the inauguration planned on the Victoria Memorial grounds. It may be recalled Mamata had transformed KIFF from an event largely confined to the state-of-the-art Nandan complex into a grand affair extending to venues such as Netaji Indoor Stadium, inviting Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan as its icons. Actor and West Bengal government adviser Mithun Chakraborty said the committee was discussing invitations to prominent Indian actors, including Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal and Kangana Ranaut. It is also exploring the possibility of inviting a leading Hollywood star to make this year’s edition memorable. Rajinikanth’s possible visit is expected to generate considerable excitement. The committee plans to give Kolkata a festive makeover by decorating and highlighting several iconic locations across the city. The The committee is focused on promoting the film bazaar, an industry platform aimed at strengthening Bengali cinema and creating opportunities for filmmakers, producers, distributors and other professionals.  There are proposals to institute an Uttam Kumar Lifetime Achievement Award, increasing prize money in the Bengali and Indian Panorama sections, and finalising the festival’s official logo and Royal Bengal trophy. This year also marks the birth centenaries of Uttam Kumar, Bhupen Hazarika, Shakti Samanta, OP Nayyar and Marilyn Monroe. Discussions are underway to curate special screening sections celebrating these icons.