Latest news with #NYIFF
News18
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Renuka Shahane On Bollywood's ‘Entourage Obsession': 'It's A Matter Of Comfort'
Last Updated: Renuka Shahane talks about the film industry's shift from the 1990s to today, noting higher costs and larger entourages. Her third film, Loop Line, screened at the 2025 NYIFF. Veteran actress and filmmaker Renuka Shahane has opened up about the stark difference in how the film industry operates today compared to the 1990s. Reflecting on the rising cost of actors and the large teams that accompany them, the 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' actress pointed out how stars in the 90s managed their careers without elaborate entourages. She believes the culture has shifted significantly, with today's actors relying on multiple managers, stylists, and social media teams—adding to the overall production cost. Renuka told IANS, 'I think the culture has changed because there are so many mediums and media today to kind of explore yourself as an actor. So, if you are a huge star, for instance, then there are people who are managing your social media. There are people who are separately managing your social media ads, separately managing your proper TVC ads. Then there are others who are managing your costumes and, you know, that kind of collaboration." 'And that's why, you know, there's a division of labor. Therefore, there are that many people. And those many people can only exist if it's commercially viable for the people paying." Renuka went on to explain, 'So, it's not as if one fine day the star gets up and says, Oh, I need ten people instead of one. If there are ten people with the star and if the producer has, you know, feels that it is important that the star feels comfortable and I'm willing to pay that much for the star's entourage, then they'll invest in it or they'll compromise and say that, Listen, we can only handle five people on the set, not more than five. So, I think that, you know, it's not something that someone is doing it forcefully." 'If you can afford it, then they are doing it. Those who can't afford it—if you can't afford it, the star might put their foot down and say, Listen, I'd rather not do your project because I need my staff with me. Or they'll say, Okay, I'll compromise for this project, or I'll do it." 'You know, so I think that one should judge people that, oh, such a big entourage used to manage before. There weren't so many avenues that used the star, you know, in terms of the commercial prospects. So, I feel that one should also be more kind. You know, we generally judge that they have a lot. So, we are quick to judge. But I think that it's a matter of comfort," the actress further mentioned. Work-wise, Renuka Shahane's third directorial venture, a Marathi animated short titled 'Loop Line," was screened at the 2025 New York Indian Film Festival on June 21. The film explored the emotional neglect and silent battles faced by Indian housewives trapped in traditional, patriarchal households.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rasika Dugal on her NYIFF experience: Films help the Indian community stay connected to their roots
Rasika Dugal Rasika Dugal attended the closing night of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) with Little Thomas, which was the final screening of the event. The film received an emotional response from a packed house, with many audience members resonating with its themes of identity, belonging, and nostalgia. She said. 'Audiences at NYIFF responded very warmly to Little Thomas. It was lovely to be there and witness that firsthand.' She added, 'I believe films are a meaningful way for the Indian community abroad to stay connected to their roots — and I'm always moved to see that connection play out in real time.' Reflecting on the evening, she shared her appreciation for the festival's discerning viewers. She said, 'Festival audiences, especially at NYIFF, are very tuned in. It's heartening to meet people who've followed your work for years. There's something special about connecting with someone through your work before you've even met them.' In a previous conversation with us, Rasika had also expressed her desire to explore lighter genres. 'Most performers look for variety, and I would love to do a rom-com — it's my favourite genre. I enjoy the song-and-dance routines that are part of our film culture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 34歳以上の男性が今年最高のPCゲームと絶賛！今すぐ無料でダウンロード BuzzDaily Winners ゲームをプレイ Undo In Lootcase (2020), I was part of a choreographed sequence — not a full-fledged song, but I still enjoyed it thoroughly. I don't think only serious roles are complex. A well-written script, whether intense or light, offers challenges for any performer. I hope more central roles in comedy are written for women, and I'd love to explore that space further,' she had said. The actress has been part of films like Bombay Talkies, Qissa, Train Station, Tu Hai Mera Sunday, the anthology Lust Stories, Manto, and web series like Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, Delhi Crime, Out of Love, and Shekhar Home.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Audiences will connect with honest work of art: Vipin on Angammal's NYIFF win
He reckons that the support coming his way would help market the film better; after all, 'Nowadays, no matter how good a film is, properly marketing it is key.' Vipin Radhakrishnan, director, and the team of Angammal are 'happy and excited' as the film, which stars actress Geetha Kailasam in the lead, won the Best Film prize at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2025. 'This award has motivated us, especially since Angammal is getting into its next stage — theatrical, and then, the OTT release. We think this will help the film reach a wider audience. We have conceived the film as an experimental commercial film. So, its win at the festival has made us confident that if we put out an honest work of art, the audience will connect with it,' says the filmmaker. Vipin is particularly happy for all the support coming his way. He reveals, 'We had previously screened the film at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the International Film Festival of Kerala, among others. The audiences there are also calling in to congratulate us on this win. It is overwhelming to see their support.' He reckons that the support coming his way would help market the film better; after all, 'Nowadays, no matter how good a film is, properly marketing it is key.'
India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Indian Cinema on the World Stage: NYIFF Celebrates 25 Years of Cultural Power
GTF Technologies New Delhi [India], June 26: The 2025 edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) marked a landmark celebration of Indian cinema's growing global relevance. As the oldest and longest-running festival for Indian independent films in North America, NYIFF's 25th year brought together a striking showcase of 22 feature-length films, including narratives and documentaries, along with a diverse lineup of shorts in multiple Indian languages. This year's programming demonstrated not only the creative vitality of Indian storytellers but also their increasing command over global cinematic language. Films from across the subcontinent and diaspora reflected a bold, honest, and deeply human spectrum of voices--each film rooted in its context, yet resonating far beyond it. Celebrating Cinematic Brilliance: Kennedy & I'm Not An Actor Among the highlights was Anurag Kashyap's neo-noir thriller Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat. The film's gritty narrative and Bhat's raw, magnetic performance offered a powerful commentary on morality and alienation. Bhat, in particular, has emerged as one of the most promising faces of contemporary Indian cinema--a name now gaining traction beyond Indian screens. Rakesh Kul Address to Actor Rahul bhat and said you Act like the Great Rabart Da nero and done a outstanding job Also in focus was Aditya Kripalani's I'm Not An Actor, which featured a masterclass performance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, earning him the Best Actor award at NYIFF. Deeply influenced by European art cinema, Siddiqui's portrayal brought a vulnerable honesty to the screen that captivated audiences and critics alike. In a heartfelt moment at the festival, Kaifi Bharti, Founder of Heights Group, shared: 'It's amazing to be here and witness how far Indian cinema has come on the global stage. NYIFF is more than a festival--it's a celebration of our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. The world is not just watching--they're engaging with Indian narratives like never before.' Bharti's presence highlighted the growing synergy between creative entrepreneurship and cultural storytelling within India's global media landscape. He also applauded the standout performances and direction that defined this year's festival. Speaking of Kennedy, Bharti noted the intensity and emotional depth brought forth by Rahul Bhat, calling it 'one of the most searing performances to emerge from Indian cinema this year.' He further praised Anurag Kashyap's fearless storytelling, stating that 'Kashyap's writing and direction once again push boundaries--layered, provocative, and uncompromisingly bold.' Equally, he lauded Nawazuddin Siddiqui's transformative portrayal in I'm Not An Actor, emphasizing how 'Nawaz delivers a performance that's quietly devastating--he doesn't act; he dissolves into the role. It's art in its purest form.' Bharti concluded by reaffirming that these cinematic moments are not outliers, but part of a larger movement: one where Indian cinema is no longer content with being applauded--it's ready to lead. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by GTF Technologies. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ankit Siwach on representing his film at NYIFF: I feel privileged
Ankit Siwach Actor Ankit Siwach is in New York City to attend the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2025, where his film Madam Driver will have its premiere. This marks a key milestone in his career, as he becomes part of a select group of Indian artistes presenting their work at one of the foremost international showcases for South Asian cinema. Reflecting on the film's selection and his participation in the festival, Ankit shares, 'The film being selected for NYIFF means a lot to me and the entire team. Representing the film at such a platform is humbling. It's the first time one of my projects is being showcased at a festival of this scale, and I feel privileged to share the space with such accomplished voices from the industry.' When asked about the themes in the film and the kind of conversations he hopes it sparks among global audiences, he explains, 'At its core, the film is about the idea of India — unity and how people stand up for each other. That's the strongest message. It also touches upon feminism in a subtle way. There are layers to the story, and what a viewer takes from it depends on their perspective.' Ankit believes Madam Driver stands out because of its approach to storytelling. He says, 'It's a simple story, and that's what makes it powerful. Life, too, is simple at its core — it's we who complicate it. The narrative reflects that. Even though the characters face serious challenges, the film maintains an easy, flowing tone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tu Kia Sportage, por tiempo limitado KIA Undo That contrast — the beauty of life despite hardships — is something I hope resonates.' He credits director Indrajit Nattoji for striking that delicate balance. 'Despite touching on heavy subjects, the film doesn't feel weighed down. It's about human connection, the way people support each other, and that, I believe, is something international audiences will also relate to. It brings a different lens to Indian society — one that's deeply humane and hopeful,' he concludes.
