In a groundbreaking move for Indian cinema, the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to showcase the magic of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan inside innovative, fully-equipped inflatable theatres. This unique cinematic experience, a first for the prestigious festival, will be held in Panaji, Goa from November 20 to 28.
A Star-Studded Lineup in a Pop-Up Cinema
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) have joined forces with mobile cinema pioneer PictureTime Digiplex to bring this novel concept to life. A high-tech, inflatable theatre will be installed at the Kala Academy, one of the festival's main venues. Inside this unique structure, audiences will be treated to three of Shah Rukh Khan's most iconic films: the inspirational sports drama Chak De! India, the intense thriller Darr, and the timeless romance Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
This initiative goes beyond just SRK's hits. The inflatable theatre's programming is thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections to cater to diverse tastes:
- Inspirational Films
- Indian Panorama Classics
- Nostalgia
- Children’s Cinema
Diverse Films and Wider Access for Goans
The lineup is a veritable feast for film lovers. Alongside the King of Bollywood's classics, viewers can enjoy recent acclaimed titles like Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys, and the biopic Srikanth starring Rajkummar Rao. The schedule also includes powerful narratives such as Rani Mukerji's Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Sooraj Barjatya's Uunchai, and celebrated classics like Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay!, Shatranj Ke Khilari, and Teesri Manzil.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement, PictureTime will host special daily screenings for schoolchildren. Films like Kaphal: Wild Berries and Gattu are part of this special roster. Furthermore, to ensure the festival reaches every corner of the state, the company will mount open-air screenings at multiple locations across North and South Goa, making cinema accessible to local residents who might not otherwise attend the main event.
Technology Bridging the Gap from Villages to Film Galas
Sushil Chaudhary, Founder and CEO of PictureTime Digiplex, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He stated that bringing their mobile digital theatres to a festival of IFFI's scale highlights the remarkable evolution of inflatable theatre technology since their first participation in 2017 with the 'Bioscope Village'.
"From remote villages to one of the world's most respected film events, this journey underscores how far this technology has come," Chaudhary remarked. He added, "This year's programming—from Shah Rukh Khan's iconic classics to acclaimed contemporary titles—reflects the incredible diversity of Indian cinema. With the Kala Academy inflatable theatre and open-air screenings across Goa, we aim to create an immersive and truly inclusive festival experience for everyone."
The impact of this initiative is expected to be significant. The Kala Academy inflatable theatre alone is projected to welcome over 1,000 visitors each day, including international delegates, film professionals, school groups, and avid cinephiles. The complementary open-air venues are estimated to attract an additional 300–400 viewers daily, significantly widening the festival's reach and celebrating the power of cinema under the Goan sky.
