IFFI 2017: Rahul Rawail replaces Sujoy Ghosh as the chief of the jury

Filmmaker Rahul Rawail has replaced Sujoy Ghosh as the chief of the jury for the Indian Panorama section at the 48th International Film Festival Of India (IFFI), which kickstarted in Goa on Monday. Confirming the development, Rawail said: “That’s right. I’ve taken on this job at the IFFI’s request after someone else (Sujoy Ghosh) chose to relinquish the responsibility. In fact, I am in Goa now. I am the acting jury head, and I’m honoured to be doing the job because this is a platform where the world looks at us and the best films must be selected.”

Ghosh had resigned from the job of heading the jury for the Indian Panorama at IFFI after two films — Sanal Sasidharan’s Malayalam movie “S Durga” and Ravi Jadhav’s Marathi movie “Nude” — were ousted from the final list. Rawail had stoutly defended the two films’ ouster when other jury members including Ghosh and Apurva Asrani preferred to resign from the IFFI.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2017, to be inaugurated by superstar Shah Rukh Khan here on Monday, will have Salman Khan as the guest at the closing ceremony on November 28. Salman will be joined by a special guest, child artist Matin Rey Tangu, who made his debut in Kabir Khan and Salman’s movie “Tubelight”, read a statement from the festival organisers.

According to the statement, “something special” has been planned for Salman as he will take to the stage for a fun interaction, closing the prestigious film festival with a bang. IFFI gets into its 48th year. Its Indian Panorama section, which has been the subject of much controversy over the exclusion of two films — “S Durga” and “Nude” — will be inaugurated by veteran actress Sridevi, who has landed here with her husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Jahnvi.

Sridevi will also introduce audiences to a special audio-video that pays homage to the legends of Indian cinema. “I look forward to attending IFFI this year. As IFFI gets into its 48th year, I look forward to celebrating Indian and world cinema, with some of the best talents from across the world,” she said in a statement.