The 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is on the verge to come to a halt after much gush and gala for over nine days in Goa. Several celebrities were spotted at the closing ceremony of the festival along which Akshay Kumar was also present. The actor talked about how the nation is on road to becoming a superpower.
ANI news agency quoted the actor as saying, “India is moving towards becoming a superpower. The maximum number of films are made in India. Our films are produced in several languages.”
Alongside actor Rana Daggubati who attended the event gave a statement to media which read, “Film festivals become an ecosystem for independent films. Festivals become that real bridge for independent voices to showcase themselves. It feels great to be in Goa.”
The Minister for Union Information and Broadcasting Dr. L Murugan, Anurag Singh Thakur and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the film festival’s closing ceremony.
At the event, Anurag Singh Thakur averred, “IFFI not only entertained but also educated us. IFFI opened up a nuanced world of cinema for audiences across the region, both young and old, new and festival veterans. We reciprocated our Cannes Country of Honour status by welcoming France as Country of Focus, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties with France and also India celebrating 75 years of India’s independence.”
“The advent of different streams of cinema, propelled affordable handsets and cheaper data prices is leaping ahead on sheer individual talent to showcase powerful and captivating stories to the world,” further added the minister.
Ace actors Asha Parekh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Manushi Chhillar, Esha Gupta, Anand Rai among others are also likely to appear the last day of the event in Goa. Megastar Chiranjeevi has been conferred wit the coveted Indian Film Personality of the Year award. The line of awards categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Male and Female), and Special Jury Award will be announced soon in the event.