THE INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY (IIFA) WEEKEND & AWARDS AND TELANGANA GOVERNMENT ESTABLISH PIONEERING MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP

Telangana to Host IIFA Utsavam in Hyderabad (2026–2028)

Swati Bhat

In a historic milestone for India’s cultural diplomacy and creative economy, the Government of Telangana has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards and IIFA Utsavam. Revealed at the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, this landmark collaboration positions India’s youngest state as a global cultural powerhouse and a thriving hub for cinema, creativity, innovation, and talent.

At the heart of this alliance is a transformative dual global strategy: ‘Taking Telangana to the World at IIFA 2026’ and ‘Bringing the World to Telangana through IIFA Utsavam from 2026 to 2028’. As the Official Partner State for IIFA 2026, Telangana will gain unmatched visibility across IIFA’s global broadcast network spanning over 120 countries, reaching more than 2.5 billion viewers. This unprecedented exposure is set to elevate the State’s global identity, attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and deepen engagement with the international diaspora and creative industries worldwide.

Simultaneously, Hyderabad will host IIFA Utsavam for three consecutive years, celebrating the vibrancy of Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors annually, reinforcing Telangana’s emergence as the cultural capital of South India and a high-impact destination for film-led tourism. The multi-year hosting will also strengthen the State’s hospitality, entertainment, events, retail, digital media, and film-production sectors—further accelerating Telangana’s rise as a global creative-economy hub.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri A. Revanth Reddy, emphasized the State’s bold vision:“Following the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, Telangana is proud to announce a transformative partnership with IIFA, one of India’s most influential cultural institutions. Through IIFA 2026, we will take the story of Telangana to the world, and through IIFA Utsavam from 2026 to 2028, we will bring the world back to our State… Telangana Rising is unstoppable. Come, join the rise.”

This partnership is closely aligned with Telangana’s long-term vision to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034 and contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2047. By integrating IIFA into this roadmap, Telangana aims to expand the creative economy, promote the ‘Film in Telangana’ initiative, foster youth skill development through TASK, and strengthen global cultural diplomacy.

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary (SPEED), reiterated that this partnership perfectly complements Telangana’s Tourism Policy 2025–2030, which aims to position the State as India’s most preferred destination for culture, creativity, and global engagement.

For 25 years, IIFA has built a formidable legacy across global capitals—from London and New York to Amsterdam, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid. With massive international viewership, powerful soft-power influence, and unparalleled global reach, IIFA now joins hands with Telangana to shape a new chapter for Indian cinema on the world stage.

Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, hailed the alliance as a “shared mission to build a legacy that resonates across generations,” reaffirming IIFA’s commitment to elevating Telangana’s cultural voice and positioning Hyderabad as a global creative and innovation epicentre.

This historic partnership marks a defining moment for Telangana and for India—where cinema becomes the bridge, culture becomes the catalyst, and Telangana steps onto the world stage with unstoppable momentum.

#event2026 #entertainment #art #IIFA #IIFA2026 #IIFAUtsavam #event

Captivating Red Carpet Moments at IFFI 2025 Closing Ceremony

Pritish Bagdi

Thaliva Rajnikanth

Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Actor Ranveer Singh

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant

MD NFDC Shri Prakash Makduu

MoS MIB Shri L. Murugan

Secretary MIB Shri Sanjay Jaju with his wife Jyoti Somani

Actor Rishab Shetty

Amit Sadh, And Cast Introduce Akhri Sawal Teaser At IFFI Closing Event

#iffi #iffi2025 #event #entertainment #nfdc #esg #informationandbroadcast #redcarpet #ceremony #celebrity

Inside ‘Khoya Paya’: The IFFI 2025 Film That Dares to Expose India’s Silent Crisis of Abandoned Parents

Know Why ‘Khoya Paya’ Is one of the Most Emotionally Powerful Film of IFFI 2025

Swati Bhat

Photo Courtesy: Pritish Bagdi

‘Khoya Paya’, the searing debut by director Ashutosh Singh, left audiences visibly moved during its special screening at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Rooted in the emotional turbulence of a mother abandoned at the sprawling Kumbh Mela, the film blends raw realism with soul-stirring performances, emerging as one of the festival’s most talked-about titles.

Leading the narrative is National Award–winning actor Ms. Seema Biswas, who plays the deserted mother with an intensity that lingers long after the credits roll. Reflecting on the film’s powerful message about the mistreatment of elderly parents, Biswas said, “Respect for the elderly is non-negotiable. Without respect, familial bonds lose meaning.” She added that the role shook her deeply, and if placed in her character’s situation, she too would have refused to return to a family that abandoned her. When asked not as her character Vidya, but as herself, how she would feel after playing this character, her response was the exact opposite of the character she portrayed: "I would let my people leave me and I would never return to them."

Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal, who plays the guilt-ridden son, mentioned that he tackled the role sincerely, highlighting that even those with flaws think they have justifications for their actions. Actress Anjali Patil, attracted by the script's purity and the opportunity to collaborate with experienced actress Ms. Seema Biswas, commended the film for its emotional authenticity.

Producer Mr. Hemanshu Rai remembered being immediately drawn to the script, which he characterized as a compelling exploration of the mother-son relationship with a hauntingly dark undertone.

But what truly sets "Khoya Paya" apart is its breath-taking visual authenticity. Shot amid crores of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025. The crew blended seamlessly into the crowd by dressing like one of them. Mr. Singh called the experience both chaotic and electrifying, remarking

"The film's colour was found at Mahakumbh. We rapidly recreated our two songs to align with the mood and atmosphere of the Kumbh Mela, making numerous spontaneous decisions to capture the ambiance as a main character of the film."

With its emotional depth and cultural resonance, ‘Khoya Paya’ emerges as one of IFFI 2025’s most compelling cinematic experiences.

#iffi #iffi2025 #iffigoa #khoyapaya #nfdc #simabiswas #anjalipatil #event #entertainment