Indian Film Festival

Colours, Flavours and Songs of India

For the very first time, the Embassy of India presents the Indian Film Festival in Bratislava – a unique showcase of contemporary Indian cinema. From powerful social dramas to visually striking stories rooted in tradition, the festival offers not only entertainment, but also a chance to explore India’s cultural richness and strengthen ties between our nations.

> 1. - 3. july 2025 

More info

English Vinglish English Vinglish

English Vinglish; Gauri Shinde, versions: SS/ES : hin

The story follows Shashi Godbole, an ordinary Indian housewife and mother who spends her days making traditional sweets and living in the shadow of her family – a family that doesn't take her seriously, largely because she doesn’t speak English. When she’s forced to travel alone to New York, the language barrier quickly becomes overwhelming. She can’t even order a cup of coffee. Determined to regain her confidence, Shashi secretly enrols in an English course. What begins as a practical step soon becomes a journey of self discovery and transformation, bringing her into contact with people who help her see herself in a new light. The film marked the return of legendary actress Sridevi to the big screen after 15 years and was a major success. Her performance earned her multiple Best Actress nominations. Show more

2D SS/ES
2DSS/ES

1. 7. Tuesday

2,00 19:00
More info

Gangubai Kathiawadi Gangubai Kathiawadi

Gangubai Kathiawadi; Sanjay Leela Bhansali, versions: SS/ES : hin

Beautiful Gangu comes from a good family and dreams of becoming an actress. Her lover Ramnik promises her that his aunt will prepare her for her dream career, so she runs away with him, but he sells her to a brothel from which there is no return. Ganga quickly realizes the harsh reality of her situation – and outwardly submits. But beneath the surface, she remains fearless, knowing her only chance is to fight back. She finds protection in a powerful ally who draws her into the illegal alcohol trade. With sharp wit and bold strategy, Ganga eliminates her rivals one by one. In a striking act of defiance, she sets up a street screening of a film at the exact moment her political opponent is delivering an election speech, drawing the crowd away. Ganga rises to power and wealth, but she doesn’t stop there – she uses her influence to fight for women's rights, especially for those who, like her, have suffered under oppression. The film was inspired by the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Indian writer and screenwriter S. Hussain Zaidi and journalist Jane Borges. One of the chapters was dedicated to Gangubai Kothewali. The film has won several major awards, most notably at the 69th Filmfare Awards, which are among the most prestigious awards in the Indian film industry. Show more

2D SS/ES
2DSS/ES

2. 7. Wednesday

2,00 20:00
More info

12th Fail 12th Fail

12th Fail; Vidhu Vinod Chopra, versions: SS/ES : hin

12th Fail is a moving story of Manoj, a boy from a poor family who wants to become a policeman. His grandmother gives him her life savings so he can travel to the city and pursue an education. But on the way, he is robbed – left with no money, no contacts, and no support. Despite the odds, he manages to get into college. Balancing studies with hard physical work, he sets his sights on a career in the civil service — one of the most competitive paths in India. The entrance exams are notoriously difficult, and he fails repeatedly. But he refuses to give up. After multiple attempts and relentless effort, he finally succeeds. The film realistically depicts the struggle for survival of millions of candidates willing to do everything possible and impossible for a chance to move up the social ladder. The film won the Filmfare Award for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor. Show more

2D SS/ES
2DSS/ES

2. 7. Wednesday

2,00 17:00
More info

RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) RRR (Roudram Ranam Rudhiram)

RRR (Roudram Ranam Rudhiram); S.S. Rajamouli, versions: SS/ES : tel

RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) takes us back to the period of British colonial rule in India. British governor Scott Buxton is hunting in the jungle with his entourage. Meanwhile, his wife Jennifer has her hand painted with henna by a young girl named Malli and listens to her beautiful singing. When they leave, he takes her with him without warning, and a soldier silences her protesting mother. However, the village is not completely helpless. It has a protector. His name is Bheem, and he begins to plan the girl's rescue. On the British side stands Raja, a powerful and capable policeman who heroically intervenes against the rebellious crowd protesting Malli's imprisonment. Bheem makes his way to the governor's palace and meets with Malli in secret. However, her rescue is not easy. The British learn about Bheem from one of his assistants and order Raja to kill him. The film won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2023.

Show more

2D SS/ES
2DSS/ES

3. 7. Thursday

2,00 19:30
More info

Sijou Sijou

Sijou; Vishal Chaliha, versions: SS/ES : hin

The story of young Sijou unfolds in a quiet village in northeastern India, where he lives with his father. His peaceful life is turned upside down when he becomes a victim of a brutal feudal system — an experience that ultimately sets him on the path to becoming a monk. Director Vishal Chaliha was inspired to make Sijou after being invited to create a film about feudal land ownership, a system that existed in Bhutan until 1958. His research revealed that similar practices had also impacted communities in India's Assam region – his own birthplace. With this film, Chaliha challenges the rise of extreme nationalism and reminds us that our shared humanity must rise above artificial borders. Sijou has received acclaim at multiple film festivals and won four awards at the Golden Sparrow International Film Festival in 2021. Show more

2D SS/ES
2DSS/ES

3. 7. Thursday

2,00 17:00