From a drought-stricken village in Kutch to the cricket fields of 1983, six Indian films are ready to sweep Canberra into their world this April. The High Commission of India is bringing a vivid mix of Indian cinema to Dendy Cinemas, Canberra Centre, for a two-day showcase on 12 and 13 April 2025—and entry is absolutely free.
The festival opens on 12 April Saturday with two parallel screenings at 3:15 PM. Kapil Dev’s legendary World Cup win comes alive in 83 (Hindi), a rousing sports drama featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead. Screened in Cinema 8, the film captures India’s historic victory through an ensemble cast and meticulous recreation of the 1983 tournament. Across the hallway in Cinema 9, audiences will be taken on a far more personal and haunting journey with Chiththa (Tamil). The crime drama follows a devoted uncle’s desperate attempt to rescue his kidnapped niece, exploring the depths of love, fear, and moral resolve.
The evening session, starting at 6:30 PM, shifts gears with Hellaro (Gujarati), a lyrical portrayal of rebellion and rhythm set in 1975. A group of women in the Rann of Kutch discover dance as an act of self-expression in a village locked in drought and patriarchy. Meanwhile, Cinema 9 screens Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (Malayalam), a raw, understated drama that explores what happens when a love marriage across caste lines gets tangled in a theft, a courtroom, and a crooked yet oddly noble police investigation.
Sunday’s lineup begins with a film from Assam that quietly champions rural education. Boomba Ride (Mishing/Assamese) is set by the Brahmaputra river and tells the story of Boomba—the only student in his school—and the teachers trying to keep the system alive. It screens at 12:00 PM in Cinema 8 and offers a slice of innocence and grit with moments that are both funny and affecting.
The festival wraps up with Goddhay Goddhay Cha (Punjabi) at 3:15 PM, a cheeky yet thoughtful take on gender roles in wedding traditions. Set in Punjab, the film follows a newlywed bride challenging the age-old rule that bars women from joining the groom’s wedding procession or witnessing the marriage rituals. The comedy packs a punch, poking holes in customs that have stood unquestioned for generations.
The High Commission of India in Canberra is inviting cinephiles, students, and families to experience this carefully curated selection of Indian films across multiple languages—Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam, Assamese, and Punjabi. It’s an opportunity to step inside lives vastly different yet oddly familiar, without leaving your seat.
All screenings will be held at Dendy Cinemas, Canberra Centre, and there’s no ticket charge. Just turn up, or scan the QR code on the official flyer to register. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering regional gems for the first time, this weekend promises something quite rare—an honest celebration of Indian cinema in all its textures and tones.
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