The 18th edition of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star, has 170+ films selected from all over the world. While we discussed our international favourites in a special series, we have also got several Indian films taking centre stage. This year, they have been distributed largely into three categories: India Gold, India Story and Discovering India. Also, not to forget, the 'Marathi Talkies' section, which also includes some remarkable films.

Like last year, this year too, an Indian Film - Konkana Sen Sharma’s directorial debut ‘A Death in the Gunj’ opens the festival at Royal Opera House in Mumbai. With Indian Films are all set to entertain the audiences at MAMI, we help you pick some of the best on the list. Don’t miss out on our Indian films, that have been made with a lot of hard word, determination and dedication, by our desi filmmakers.

Lipstick Under My Burkha (India Gold)

Director: Alankrita Shrivastava

The film weaves together life of one burqa-clad college girl, a young beautician, a mother of three and a 55-year-old widow who rediscovers her sexuality.  The film is produced by Prakash Jha, while his assistant director Alankrita Shrivastava wears the director’s cap in this one. The film is packed with a renowned cast and is also going to premiere at the 29^th Tokyo International Film Festival 2016.

Autohead (India Gold)
Director: Rohit Mittal

The Autohead trailer has already driven most of the people insane and now, the film is all set to create some serious buzz at MAMI. This edgy documentary revolves around a film crew following a crazy rickshaw driver’s increasingly destructive adventures, across the suburbs of Mumbai. The film is directed, written by Rohit Mittal, who also stars in the film.  Autohead was part of Hong Kong International Film Festival (the only Indian film selected there) and Sitges Film Festival in Spain. 

Loev (India Gold)
Director: Sudhanshu Saria

An Insignificant Man (Discovering India)
Directors: Khushboo Ranka, Vinay Shukla

This 100-minute film has been distilled from over 400 hours of behind-the-scene footage, shot over a course of two years, with a fly-on-the-wall approach. The film follows now Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi (Common Man’s) Party – an insurgent new political party, as they wield basic public issues like water, electricity, and graft against the country’s oldest and most powerful two political establishments. The film had its World premiere at Toronto International Film Festival and has been screened at BFI London Film Festival, Warsaw International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and finally, will now have it's India Premiere at MAMI. 

The Cinema Travellers (India Gold)
Directors: Shirley Abraham, Amit Madheshiya

The only Indian feature-film to be selected at Cannes earlier this year is an enthralling portrait of the fast-fading journey of the ‘Traveling Cinemas’ of India. A benevolent showman, a shrewd exhibitor and a maverick projector mechanic bear a beautiful burden - to keep the last traveling cinemas of the world running.  The film has also been screened at Sydney Film Festival - Australian Premiere, Toronto International Film Festival - North American Premiere, New York Film Festival - US Premiere, Busan International Film Festival - Asian Premiere. 

Marathi Talkies: The Marathi Talkies section is screening last year’s hit compilation Bioscope, Rajesh Mapuskar’s family comedy Ventilator, Sachin Kundalkar’s joint-family generational drama Rajwade and Sons and Punarvasu Naik’s satirical thriller Vakratunda Mahakaaya.

Just a few hours to go, before cinephiles rush from one move hall to another, in order to witness some pure cinematic bliss. For those of you who still haven't registered, go get it done right away. You don't wanna miss these amazing films for anything.

Follow us on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter & Snapchat as we bring you live updates, exciting buzz and lots of filmy stories from Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. Join the conversation using #DancebeeatMAMI and if you are around, do come and say hi!

After a super packed weekend, we finally (better late than never) caught up with Nishikant Kamat’s much awaited directorial venture - Madaari, during the week. While we expected the occupancy to be around below-average, we were quite happy to see afternoon shows running with close to 40% seats filled. After close to two weeks at the cinemas, the film has performed very well, with appreciation coming in from both the audience and the film fraternity.

Madaari tells the tale of a man in anguish, who seeks justice after losing almost everything in a disaster. It’s the fight of a common man against the corrupt system, that continues to plague the society at large. Although at first thought, one can’t help but mark the uncanny resemblances between A Wednesday and the sequences that unfold in Madaari, the latter shines out in it’s own way. The film attempts to give a much needed jolt to the citizens, forcing them to wake up and save the country from drowning in corruption, before it is too late. But at the core, Madaari is also a poignant father - son story, with some wonderful emotional moments that are bound to leave you teary eyed.

In case you are one of those who still haven’t seen the film, we give you reasons to do so this week:

Ensemble cast: Kamat is a pro at getting together the perfect cast in almost all his films. In Madaari, we are treated to some fine performances by Jimmy Shergill and Tushar Dalvi, among others. The minister’s son too performs very well.

The Plot: Most of us have taken to Twitter or discussed the way we have suffered setbacks due to the negligence of those in power. Madaari perfectly showcases the plight of the ‘aam aadmi’ and his constant struggle to avoid getting exploited by the corrupt. There are instances where you might go, “Hey! This has happened to me,” and then, go on to realise that it is no one else but ourselves to be blamed for the mess that we see around us. The story of this film is raw, real and relatable.

Cinematography: If we had to pick any one major technical highlight of the film, it has to be Avinash Arun’s cinematography. He makes even the most simple background look beautiful, while ensuring that we don’t lose focus from the characters on screen.

Irrfan Khan’s performance: Reserved the best for the last. Has Irrfan ever disappointed us? The actor, who continues to make India proud as a global artist, delivers a power packed performance. An act so flawless and natural, that it almost looks he isn’t acting at all! He puts his heart and soul to essay Nirmal Kumar and showcases a variety of different shades through his character, all in the same film. Safe to say that he is the driving force of Madaari, and the one who makes your trip to cinema hall to watch this film totally worth it!

Verdict: Madaari is beautifully inspiring, and deserves a watch, especially for the brilliance that is Irrfan Khan!

Have you seen the film? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

Love,

The Dancebee