Hindi
Red Lorry Film Festival returns with a cinematic extravaganza
MUMBAI: Dust off your cinephile credentials and brace yourself—the Red Lorry Film Festival is roaring back, bringing with it a truckload of nostalgia, storytelling genius, and enough cinematic gold to keep film buffs grinning for weeks! Curated by BookMyShow and presented by BookAChange, this festival is the ultimate paradise for cinephiles, bringing together over 120 legendary films spanning decades, genres, and unforgettable moments on the big screen.
This year, the festival pays tribute to Indian cinema’s finest through two special segments: “Legacy Rewind” and “Timeless Tales”. From the magnetic charm of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts to the masterful storytelling of Subhash Ghai, Vijay Anand, and Michael Mann, Red Lorry Film Festival is set to bring these cinematic gems back to the big screen.
Legacy Rewind
Celebrating 45 years of Subhash Ghai’s Karz (1980), the festival pays tribute to Indian cinema’s ‘Showman’ and his unforgettable musical thriller. “The magic of Karz still resonates today, and I am thrilled to share this milestone with fans,” said Ghai.
Adding to the nostalgia, Mansoor Khan takes the audience back in time with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992). “These films hold a special place in my heart, and I’m honoured to see them celebrated again,” he shared.
The legacy continues with Nasir Hussain’s iconic classics Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) and Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (1977), marking 65 years of his unparalleled storytelling. Rajiv Rai, son of visionary Gulshan Rai, will present Johny Mera Naam (1970) and Deewaar (1975), celebrating 55 years of Trimurti Films. “My father’s films were ahead of their time, and their impact continues to inspire generations,” said Rai.
The segment also honours Vijay Anand’s cinematic masterpieces like Teesri Manzil (1966), Jewel Thief (1967), and Johny Mera Naam (1970), bringing Indian cinema’s golden era back to the screen.
Timeless Tales
This festival isn’t just about Indian cinema—it’s a global celebration of cinema! Honouring the centennial birth anniversary of Guru Dutt, the festival presents one of his rare comedies, Mr. & Mrs. ‘55 (1955).
Marking 70 years of Smita Patil’s legacy, her iconic performance in Mirch Masala (1987) will once again grace the silver screen. Hollywood royalty takes center stage too, with a 35 Anniversary screening of Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman and a 30 Anniversary Imax edition of Brad Pitt’s psychological thriller Se7en.
Adding to the international flavour, cinephiles can revisit French classics like Z (1969) and The Wages of Fear (1953), alongside Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls (1995) in a 30 anniversary showcase.
Curated by acclaimed filmmaker Atul Sabharwal, the festival will present Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) and The Last of the Mohicans (1992). “These films are benchmarks in cinematic storytelling,” noted Sabharwal.
Fans of contemporary cinema can rejoice as Vikramaditya Motwane’s Udaan (2010) marks its 15 anniversary at the festival. “Udaan was a deeply personal project, and seeing it celebrated at this festival is a surreal experience,” shared Motwane.
Following a phenomenal debut in 2024, the Red Lorry Film Festival returns from 21-23 March 2025, in Mumbai as ‘Red Lorry Film Festival: Take 2’, and expands to Hyderabad with ‘Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse’.
With over 120 meticulously curated films, interactive masterclasses, and discussions with industry greats, the festival promises an immersive experience for film lovers.
Don’t miss out on this cinematic adventure! Grab your tickets and be part of history.
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Hindi
Jio Studios, Sanjay Dutt team up to revive Khal Nayak
Rights acquired for new version, format under wraps as remake plans take shape.
MUMBAI: The villain is back and this time, he’s rewriting his own script. Jio Studios has partnered with Three Dimension Motion Pictures and Aspect Entertainment to revive the 1993 cult classic Khal Nayak, marking a fresh chapter for one of Bollywood’s most iconic anti-hero stories. The original film, directed by Subhash Ghai under Mukta Arts, was a commercial and cultural milestone, with Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Ballu becoming one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable performances.
Dutt, along with Aksha Kamboj, has now acquired the rights from the original creators, bringing on board Jio Studios and its President Jyoti Deshpande to steer the project creatively.
While the exact format whether remake, sequel, prequel, or a completely new narrative remains undisclosed, the collaboration aims to reinterpret the story for contemporary audiences while retaining the essence that made the original a defining film of the 1990s.
The move taps into a broader industry trend of reviving legacy intellectual property, particularly characters with strong recall value. “Khal Nayak” was notable for pushing mainstream Hindi cinema into morally grey territory at a time when heroes were largely one-dimensional, making Ballu’s character a standout.
The project also marks the film production debut of Aspect Entertainment, signalling a push towards more technology-led storytelling frameworks. Meanwhile, Jio Studios continues to expand its slate, having built a library of over 200 films and series, with more than 60 titles collectively winning 500-plus awards.
For Dutt, the revival is as much personal as it is strategic, a return to a role that reshaped his career. For the industry, it is another sign that nostalgia, when paired with scale, remains a powerful box-office proposition.
Because in Bollywood, some villains never fade, they just wait for the perfect comeback.
