Ajai Vishwanath's short film 'Starch' and Samyuktha Vijayan's 'Neela Nira Sooriyan' will also be screened at the event.
Published Jul 23, 2024 | 6:07 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 23, 2024 | 6:07 PM
'Chithha' to be screened at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024. (X)
Siddharth’s acclaimed thriller, Chithha, has been chosen for screening at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). It is one of three Tamil films selected, alongside Ajai Vishwanath’s short film Starch and Samyuktha Vijayan’s Neela Nira Sooriyan (2023).
Released in 2023 to critical acclaim, Chithha also featured Baby Sahasra Shree, Nimisha Sajayan, and Anjali Nair in key roles. The film, praised for its sensitive handling of a distressing topic, centres on a man searching for his mysteriously missing niece.
Chithha featured songs by Dhibu Ninan Thomas and Santhosh Narayanan, with background scores by Vishal Chandrashekhar. The film was produced by Siddharth’s Etaki Entertainment.
The movie is directed by SU Arun Kumar, known for Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014), Sethupathi (2016), and Sindhubaadh (2019). Currently, the filmmaker is busy with Veera Dheera Sooran headlined by Vikram.
Meanwhile, Ajai Vishwanath’s short film Starch (2023) stars Gayatri Patel Bahl, Vandit Bhatt, and Vinita Belani. It follows a young Indian mother in Australia who steals from her visiting in-laws to support her immigrant family, showcasing resilience and strength.
Further, Neela Nira Sooriyan, directed by and starring Samyuktha Vijayan, features Gajaraj, Geetha Kailasam, Manimegalai, and Haritha. The film explores the complexities of human relationships.
“With its nuanced characters and gripping storyline, the film delves into love, loss, and redemption, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience. It follows Aravind, a high school teacher in a South Indian town, who secretly transitions to Bhanu. Pressured into an unwanted marriage, Bhanu, with support from friend Haritha, finds the strength to live openly. As challenges arise at school, Bhanu fights for recognition,” states the press release.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, hosted by the Victorian State Government, runs from 15 to 25 August.
Meanwhile, Telugu actor Ram Charan Tej will be the guest of honour at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, where he will receive the Ambassador for Indian Art and Culture award for his significant contributions to Indian cinema.
“I am deeply honoured to be part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, celebrating the diversity and richness of Indian cinema on an international platform. It’s a privilege to represent our film industry and connect with fans and cinephiles worldwide,” Ram Charan said.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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