The Kolkata International Film Festival is setting up its 32nd edition as a visible break from the recent past, not a rerun of it. The festival runs from December 16 to December 23, and the opening ceremony will take place at Victoria Memorial for the first time.
A new black-and-saffron logo, designed by filmmaker Sandip Ray, was unveiled on November 1 at Nandan. It replaces the blue-and-white artwork that had been in use since 2015. The change is part of a wider reset under the first KIFF organised by the new Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal.
A festival in transition
Superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee chairs the festival, with veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty as chief advisor. Actors Jeet, Hiran Chatterjee and Rudranil Ghosh, along with Nandan CEO and KIFF Director Sharmistha Banerjee, were present at the logo event.
Chatterjee confirmed that moving the inaugural ceremony to Victoria Memorial is a first. In recent years, the opening had been held at venues such as Netaji Indoor Stadium and Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, while Nandan hosted the festival in its early years and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big-screen names and a bigger stage
The possible guest list is where the event starts to matter to Hindi film audiences. Officials said Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Prabhas may make their maiden KIFF appearances, with a wider lineup from film industries across India.
The tentative inaugural list also includes Sanjay Dutt, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher, Johnny Lever, Kangana Ranaut, Anurag Basu and Madhur Bhandarkar.
“We are also trying to invite an international figure in the 32nd KIFF,” Chatterjee said.
Ireland will be the official Focus Country, actor Jeet announced. Organisers are also considering a larger Film Bazar, and the Royal Bengal Trophy will carry a slightly altered design. Ratul Shankar is preparing the theme music, while Sandip Ray is making the promotional film.
What audiences should know
- Dates: December 16 to December 23, 2026.
- Delegate cards: Registration opens on November 5.
- Film submissions: Closed on September 30.
- Focus Country: Ireland.
The festival began in 1995 under the West Bengal Film Centre. Last year, it screened 215 films and made 12 official awards. For Hindi film fans, the potential maiden appearances by Akshay Kumar and Prabhas, and a first visit by Rajinikanth, give this edition a wider pull — but the star names are still in the “may” column, not confirmed announcements.
Source: The Hindu