Rajkumar Hirani on the Emotional Journey from Writing to Editing at IFFI 2025

On the fifth day of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa, the day included an enlightening masterclass by the well-known writer/director Mr. Rajkumar Hirani, along with exclusive film screenings and numerous other activities.

Swati Bhat

In his Masterclass on Writing and Editing, Rajkumar Hirani emphasised that writing is the process of envisioning a film, whereas editing is the phase where a film is truly experienced. He highlighted the often-overlooked significance of an editor, noting that a film attains its true essence at the editing table. Mr. Hirani also explored the underlying themes in some of his iconic films.

During the film screenings, critically acclaimed works were showcased, including the Japanese film "Two Seasons, Two Strangers," the world premiere of the Albanian film "Hana," and Govind Nihalani’s 1984 classic "Party." Creators of non-mainstream films such as "Lala and Poppy" and "The Pursuit of Spring" offered insights into their projects, emphasizing how their storytelling seeks not only to entertain but also to make a lasting impact on audiences.

Later in the day, IFFI’s musical event, IFFIesta, will conclude at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium. The finale will feature programs such as Battle of Bands, Suron Ka Eklavya, Waah Ustad, and Devanchal ki Prem Katha.