IFFI 2023: Interesting list of South Indian films lined up for screening

HYDERABAD: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is a much-awaited annual event that typically takes place toward the end of November, spanning from November 20th to November 28th.

It provides a wonderful platform not only to enjoy a diverse array of international films but also to showcase regional cinema from India to a global audience.

This year's IFFI is set to feature several noteworthy South Indian films which are as follows:

• Kantara (Kannada): Directed by Rishab Shetty, this mystical action thriller captivated audiences in the latter part of 2022. The story follows a Kambala champion who finds himself in conflict with a forest officer. The film skillfully incorporates the traditional art form of Bhoota Kola.
• 2018 (Malayalam): A survival drama film inspired by the devastating Kerala floods of 2018. The movie boasts an ensemble cast including Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Narain, and more. It has been selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.
• Ponniyin Selvan II (Tamil): Directed by Mani Ratnam, this magnum opus features a star-studded ensemble cast comprising Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Sobhita Dulipala, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and more.
• Viduthalai (Tamil): Vetrimaaran's film, Viduthalai, made quite an impact upon its theatrical release. The period crime thriller stars Soori in the lead role, a departure from his usual comedic roles. The film also features renowned actors like Vijay Sethupathi, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajiv Menon, Bhavani Sre, and others.
• Nna Thaan Case Kodu (Malayalam): A Malayalam political satire featuring Kunchacko Boban and Gayathrie Shankar in lead roles. The film has a notable supporting cast including Rajesh Madhavan, Unnimaya Prasad, Basil Joseph, and more.

In addition to these films, the Indian Panorama category at IFFI will showcase various other movies from Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, offering an exciting and diverse selection for film enthusiasts. It's an excellent opportunity for cinema lovers to explore the rich tapestry of South Indian cinema.