Hindi
Acclaimed Telugu Film Razakar to release pan-India in Hindi and Marathi on April 26
Mumbai: The critically acclaimed Telugu film Razakar, which debuted in March 2024, is now poised to reach a pan-India audience with its upcoming release in Hindi and Marathi. Set against the turbulent post-Independence era in India, ‘Razakar’ narrates the harrowing period when Hyderabad was a princely state, under the shadow of the brutal Razakar militia.
Director Yata Satyanarayana, who has not only directed but also penned the story and screenplay, expressed his enthusiasm about the film’s wider release. “I am aware that a large section of my audience have been waiting to see the film in Hindi. I am thrilled that we can now showcase it not only in Hindi but also in Marathi,” stated Satyanarayana. He confirmed that both the Hindi and Marathi versions are set to be released on April 26 by Panorama Studios.
The film provides a gripping narrative of the genocide undertaken by the Razakars, a paramilitary group loyal to the Nizam of Hyderabad, which committed mass murders and spread terror among the populace. This dark chapter prompted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister, to initiate swift actions that culminated in the historic Operation Polo, leading to Hyderabad’s annexation into the Indian Union. ‘Razakar’ also explores the political manoeuvres of Hyderabad’s last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, and his attempts to maintain independence, providing a comprehensive view of a pivotal moment in Indian history.
Satyanarayana emphasised the quality of the new versions: “The dialogues of the Hindi and Marathi versions will be as evocative as those in the Telugu original. We are committed to ensuring that the film is re-mastered with the finest quality for its pan-India release.” The distribution of the film across the nation will be handled by Panorama Studios, promising a widespread reach. As ‘Razakar’ prepares for its release across India, it invites audiences to witness a crucial period of Indian history, portrayed with cinematic excellence and historical accuracy. The film’s broader accessibility in Hindi and Marathi is set to ignite discussions and broaden its impact, reaching into the hearts and minds of viewers across the nation.
Hindi
MIFF 2026 to return to Mumbai; film entries open till April 12
19th edition to host WAVES Doc Bazaar, spotlighting global documentary talent
MUMBAI: The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 is set to take place from June 15 to 21 at the NFDC Complex, with film submissions currently open and the deadline fast approaching on April 12.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the biennial festival remains one of South Asia’s most prominent platforms for documentary, short fiction and animation films.
Filmmakers, producers and content creators from across the globe have been invited to submit entries via the Film Freeway platform for the Competition Section. Offline submissions will not be accepted, reinforcing a fully digital entry process.
MIFF 2026 continues to sweeten the deal with a robust awards pool of Rs 55 lakh. The coveted Golden Conch for Best Documentary carries a top prize of Rs 10 lakh, alongside multiple awards across categories, making it one of the most lucrative non-feature film festivals in the region.
A key highlight this year will be the second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar, scheduled from June 16 to 18 alongside the festival. Designed as a hub for collaboration, the Doc Bazaar will feature a co-production market, viewing rooms and a work-in-progress lab, bringing together global buyers, sellers and creators under one roof.
Since its inception in 1990, MIFF has built a reputation as a serious showcase for non-feature cinema, drawing participation from filmmakers worldwide. The previous edition saw over 350 films from more than 30 countries, underlining its growing international footprint.
With submissions closing soon and preparations underway, MIFF 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant meeting point for storytelling, collaboration and cinematic craft, offering filmmakers both a stage and a springboard.
