#IFFIWood, 25 November 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today saw the launch of “Rangoli: Roop, Sur, Lay ki – Bhartiya Cinema ke Vihangam Shikhar Vyaktitva,” a collaborative publication by the Directorate of Publication Division (DPD) and the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.

The book features in-depth articles on eight towering figures of Indian cinema—Paddy S. Jeyaraj, Kedar Sharma, Manna Dey, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Nilu Phule, Basu Chatterjee, Balu Mahendra, and Sumitra Bhave.

Speaking at the launch, Principal Director General, DPD, Sh. Bhupendra Kainthola said the book carries forward the legacy of FTII’s acclaimed magazine Lens Sight. “Lens Sight was originally published in English, and although FTII later released a Hindi version, its reach remained limited. DPD decided to give it a larger platform and wider accessibility through our nationwide distribution network. We are committed to bringing this rich legacy of Indian cinema closer to cine lovers across the country,” he said. Sh. Kainthola added that publishing the book in Hindi aligns with India’s National Education Policy, which emphasizes learning and cultural resources in Indian languages.

FTII Director Sh. Dhiraj Singh described the book as a testament to India’s cinematic heritage. “There are many cinematic theories in the world, but when we infuse them with our lived experiences, creations like Lens Sight and Rangoli emerge. They are our service to cinema,” Singh said. He further emphasized the cultural significance of institutions like FTII:

“Institutes such as FTII, the National School of Drama, and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute are civilizational achievements. They are evidence of our country’s deep and vibrant cinema tradition.”

The launch of Rangoli at IFFI, highlights the festival’s continued commitment to celebrating cinematic excellence and preserving India’s film heritage.

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About the Book: “Rangoli: Roop, Sur, Lay ki – Bhartiya Cinema ke Vihangam Shikhar Vyaktitva” is based on the creative legacy of Indian cinema. This book is a joint publication of the Publications Division and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.

The book provides an extensive portrayal of the creative contributions, struggles, experimental approach, and artistic journeys of eight towering personalities of Indian cinema—Paddy S. Jeyaraj, Kedar Sharma, Manna Dey, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Nilu Phule, Basu Chatterjee, Balu Mahendra, and Sumitra Bhave.

From the early silent era of cinema to the development of technology, acting, music, direction, and editing, this book acquaints readers with the roots of Indian cinema and its aesthetic vision. Presenting the experiences, artistic perspectives, and creative processes of filmmakers, this work serves as invaluable research material not only for students of cinema but also for lovers of art.

About IFFI

Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.

For more information, click on:

IFFI Website: https://www.iffigoa.org/

PIB’s IFFI Microsite:https://www.pib.gov.in/iffi/56/

PIB IFFIWood Broadcast Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEiBaML2AU6gnzWOm3F

X Handles: @IFFIGoa, @PIB_India, @PIB_Panaji

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Ritu Shukla/ Sangeeta Godbole/ Saurabh Khekde/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 075