PVR INOX, India’s largest cinema exhibitor, is launching the Kareena Kapoor Khan Film Festival to celebrate her 25-year career. This week-long festival, running from September 20 to September 27, 2024, will be held across 30 cinemas in 15 cities, offering audiences a chance to revisit Kareena’s notable films on the big screen.
The festival coincides with the release of her latest film, The Buckingham Murders, an atmospheric thriller directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The film explores themes of grief and closure and is presented by Balaji Telefilms in association with Kareena Kapoor Khan, A Mahana Films, and TBM Films Production. The release of The Buckingham Murders will precede the festival.
Kareena Kapoor Khan will officially announce the festival on September 18th at PVR INOX Lido Cinema, Mumbai. During the event, she will also discuss the curated films and share insights on what it takes to maintain a 25-year career as a leading lady in an industry where such longevity is rare.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, a name synonymous with versatility and excellence, has spent the last quarter-century redefining what it means to be a leading lady in Indian cinema. Her ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles—from a fiery warrior princess in Asoka, to a small-town girl discovering herself in Jab We Met, to a woman confronting her inner demons in Chameli—has cemented her status as a performer who consistently captivates both audiences and critics alike.
To mark the launch of the festival and celebrate the occasion, PVR INOX hosted a grand opening event at PVR Lido, Mumbai in the presence of Niharika Bijli, a key member of the leadership team, Bijli plays a pivotal role in driving brand-building initiatives and fostering innovation within the organisation. She is responsible for bringing fresh vision to the organisation.
The creative mind behind this festival, Niharika Bijli, is renowned for her visionary approach. Her expertise and passion for cinema and the business behind it are the guiding forces driving this festival and many more to come in the future.
“This festival is our humble attempt to recognise and celebrate the talents that have shaped the cinematic landscape as we know it. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving the rich legacy of Indian films and offering a unique cinematic experience. Kareena Kapoor Khan is a rare artist who has consistently challenged conventions and delivered powerful performances over the last 25 years. Her work has not only entertained but also inspired generations of actors and cinephiles. We are delighted to host this festival in her honour and to bring her most memorable roles back to the big screen for fans to enjoy,” Niharika Bijli, PVR INOX Ltd. said.
The retrospective will feature a carefully curated selection of films highlighting Kareena Kapoor Khan’s illustrious journey as an actress. This lineup includes Asoka by Santosh Sivan, Chameli by Sudhir Mishra, Jab We Met by Imtiaz Ali, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham by Karan Johar, and Omkara by Vishal Bhardwaj. By reviving these classics, PVR INOX aims to engage both nostalgic audiences and new generations, fostering a shared appreciation for cinematic masterpieces. Each of these films showcases her extraordinary talent and lasting impact on Indian cinema.
In addition to focusing on actors, the festival series will also highlight filmmakers, musicians, writers, and other creative contributors, exploring various genres, styles, and topical issues.
“The last two decades have been exhilarating and seem like yesterday. It feels fantastic to be a part of an industry that I love dearly and an industry that has given so much to me. I would like to express my gratitude towards all my directors, producers, and colleagues who’ve been part of my journey. I am honoured and look forward to the film festival curated by PVR INOX. It is exciting to think that through the film festival, people of all generations will get to experience these amazing films, and I can relive the memories tied to these wonderful films. I’m eagerly looking forward to the audience’s reaction to the film festival,” Kareena Kapoor Khan said.
For this, Brut will serve as the Culture Partner, providing cultural insights and discussions around Kapoor Khan’s cinematic impact. Fever FM will act as the Radio Partner, offering festival highlights and exclusive interviews. Amazon Music, the Official Music Streaming Partner, will curate playlists inspired by the festival’s featured films.
The festival, running from September 20 to September 27, 2024, will be held in 15 cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Noida, Pune, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, and Trivandrum. It aims to celebrate and revisit iconic films from Kapoor Khan’s career, ensuring that her contributions to cinema are recognized by both longtime fans and new audiences.