Over the span of three mesmerizing days, cinematic enthusiasts were invited on a global journey, without ever leaving the city of Mumbai. BookMyShow’s acclaimed Red Lorry Film Festival unfurled its screen to a diverse palette of more than 100 films, encompassing a variety of genres, and knit together in the love for motion pictures. This captivating event was hosted at Maison INOX at Jio World Plaza and Maison PVR at Jio World Drive in the bustling hub of BKC, Mumbai.
From April 5th to 7th, audiences had the unique opportunity to witness an array of films that crossed the barriers of language and culture. Offering a lineup in over 10 different languages including Swedish, French, Spanish, German, Turkish, and Russian, the festival provided a riveting mix of premieres, classic retrospectives, hard-hitting documentaries, and much-loved Hollywood blockbusters.
The festival rolled out the red carpet with the much-anticipated exclusive premiere of Alex Garland’s “Civil War,” ahead of its worldwide release, drawing a star-studded crowd that included some of the most illustrious names in the film industry. Ashish Saksena, COO, Cinemas at BookMyShow, commented on the remarkable journey of the festival, stating, “What began as a mere vision has blossomed into a grand celebration of cinema, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and participants alike… Over the course of the past 25 years, we have worked towards housing an ecosystem of entertainment experiences under one red roof, and this film festival has been another feather in our cap, curated by understanding the pulse of Indian consumers and their undying love for cinema entertainment.”
Films such as “Lawrence of Arabia” enthralled viewers with its epic narrative while “Tatami” offered a more reflective experience with its meditative beauty. The gripping intensity of “Civil War” stood alongside the charming whimsy of “Poor Things” and the enigmatic tales woven in “Lord Curzon ki Haveli.” “Berlin” presented a starkly emotive world, starkly contrasting the familiar warmth felt in the perennial favorite “Love Actually,” with its nuanced exploration of affection and human connections.
Audiences were also drawn to uniquely engaging tales like “Blow Up,” “Psycho,” “Frenzy,” “The Lady from Shanghai,” and “Perfect Days,” proving that the magic of cinema bridges generational gaps and continues to captivate hearts and minds.
A highlight of the event was the Indian premiere of the globally acclaimed “Lord Curzon Ki Haveli,” showcased as the Centrepiece-Spotlight film. This black-comedy thriller boasts a dream ensemble with Emmy nominee Arjun Mathur, OTT sensation Rasika Duggal, “Spider-Man: Far From Home” actress Zoha Rahman, Paresh Pahuja of “Tiger Zinda Hai” fame, Tanmay Dhanania known for his roles in “Brahman-Naman” and “Rapist”, and the legendary Garrick Hagon recognized for iconic movies including “Mission Impossible” and “Indiana Jones.” The festival’s attendees saw Arjun, Rasika, and Paresh join the audience for this much-awaited premiere.
The cast of the spy thriller “Berlin” graced the event too. Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose, Kabir Bedi, and Ishwak Singh, alongside director Atul Sabharwal, and National Award-winning composer Vipin Mishra of the docu-series “Folkroad,” not only entertained with their thrilling espionage tale but also engaged the audience with an in-depth discussion post-screening.
As the festival curtains closed, attendees walked away with the resounding truth that cinema is a unifying art that transcends boundaries. At BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival, the magic of movies was celebrated in grand style, leaving an indelible impression of the power and beauty of storytelling on the silver screen.
