Updated: Dec 2, 2025
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
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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.
HKTDC’s Ruzbeh Mistry Reveals Big Opportunities Ahead of Filmart 2026
Swati Bhat
A/V Courtesy: Pritish Bagdi CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW
In an exclusive, wide-ranging conversation with Swati Bhat, Editor-in-Chief of The Communique News, Mr. Ruzbeh Mistry, Executive Head – South Asia at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), shed light on Hong Kong’s rapidly growing collaboration with India’s dynamic film and content ecosystem.
From bold new opportunities in co-production and content distribution to the rise of animation, AI, and regional cinema, the interview offered a definitive preview of what the industry can expect from Filmart 2026, Asia’s leading film and entertainment marketplace.
Strengthening India–Hong Kong Film Cooperation
Mr. Mistry emphasized HKTDC’s strategic focus on India — one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets — and highlighted why Hong Kong is emerging as a preferred business gateway for Indian producers, studios, and OTT platforms.
This year, HKTDC’s active presence at NFDC’s Film Bazaar is part of a larger push to expand bilateral collaboration.
Well-established Indian industry leaders such as Zee TV and Ultra are already regular participants at Filmart, leveraging Hong Kong’s global networking advantage.
Why HKTDC Filmart Matters for Indian Filmmakers & Media Companies?
Filmart is uniquely positioned to offer India direct access to global markets through:
*Co-production alliances with Asian and European partners
*Distribution deals for films, OTT content, and regional-language titles
*Networking with international sales agents & festival programmers
*Exhibitor opportunities for Indian streaming platforms and studios
*Panels, masterclasses, and pitching forums curated for content creators
For Indian exhibitors, the Hong Kong marketplace has consistently generated business outcomes ranging from licensing deals to high-value international collaborations.
