New Delhi, September 6, 2025: The 13th edition of Rajnigandha Presents Jagran Film Festival (JFF) opened on an inspiring note at Delhi’s Siri Fort Auditorium, bringing together cinema lovers, students, and families to celebrate storytelling in its purest form.
The day began with the debut of JFF Little Lights, a special screening curated for children, setting the stage for a day filled with conversations and cinematic brilliance.
A key highlight of the opening day was the thought-provoking session “The Art of Judging and Mentoring Cinema”, where stalwarts Girish Kasaravalli, Khushboo Sundar, Ravi K Chandran, and Utpal Borpujari delved into the power of vernacular cinema. Their candid reflections struck a chord with the audience as they discussed how mainstream Hindi films often risk losing resonance by drifting away from cultural roots and everyday realities. The packed auditorium listened with rapt attention, the air charged with the passion that only true cinephiles bring.
The excitement peaked with the World Premiere of Netflix’s Inspector Zende. The screening was followed by an engaging conversation featuring Manoj Bajpayee, Jim Sarbh, director Chinmay D. Mandlekar, Ruchika Kapoor Sheikh (Director of Original Films, Netflix India), and even Inspector Zende himself. Sharing his journey into the role, Manoj Bajpayee said, “The character I play is not particularly skilled, yet he sets out to capture an international criminal who is a black-belt fighter and extremely clever. This contradiction is what makes the film special.” He further emphasized the importance of theatre training in India, adding, “I have often taught at the National School of Drama (NSD). I believe there should be five or six more government institutions like NSD across India. They would be a blessing for middle-class students, who form the majority of aspiring theatre artists.” Bajpayee further spoke about nurturing talent in India, adding, “I have often taught at the National School of Drama (NSD). I believe there should be five or six more government institutions like NSD across India. They would be a blessing for middle-class students, who form the majority of aspiring theatre artists.”
Talking about playing Carl Bhojraj, Jim Sarbh said, “To prepare for my role, what I did is, I intentionally didnt watch films and shows like King Charles and Black Serpent which had characters like the one I play, because I ididnt want to go with someone else’s interpretation of the character, I went to the source directly and viewed interviews of the person that my character is based on to understand the essence of the personality. I tried to imitate the french accent because he identifies himself as a french and also try to read what was going on behind his eyes. I believe he is a cold, conniving, distant person back there who puts up the act of a charming man”
Sharing some real life anecdotes with the audiences at the Jagran Film Festival, Madhukar Baburao Zende said, “When I caught the same criminal twice, I was surprised at the publicity I got, but I believe that whatever I did, wasnt my work alone, from the DGP to the constable, every supported equally. When we caught the criminal, a brand put up a marathi hoarding in the city that said, ‘Atkepaar Zende’ which was put right opposite Lata Mangeshkar ji’s house. She called Mohan Wagh and asked to meet me, so he arranged for one function where Lata ji said ‘jiske wajah se mumbai me marathi hoarding dikha hai, aaj woh bolenge’
The festival’s spirit of inclusivity and vision was amplified by the words of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Railways; Information & Broadcasting; and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, who praised JFF as “one of the most impactful platforms for aspiring filmmakers and audiences, particularly from smaller cities.” His announcement of the restructuring of NFDC, the revamp of Siri Fort Auditorium, and the showcasing of 650+ films was met with enthusiastic cheers, a moment that perfectly captured the festival’s role as both a celebration and a catalyst for change.
Adding an international perspective, Mr. Takashi Suzuki, Director General of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), shared a heartfelt remark that resonated with young and old alike, saying, “The Jagran Film Festival truly embodies inclusivity in cinema. Japanese films and music have carved a special place in India—children here grow up watching Doraemon and Shinchan, which shows the cultural bond between our countries.”
Echoing the sentiment of storytelling as a force for change, Mr. Basant Rathore, Senior Vice President, Jagran Prakashan Ltd., reminded the audience of JFF’s core vision, “The idea of JFF is to bring forth the finest vision of cinema to audiences everywhere. When people experience powerful stories, it impacts them deeply and even shapes their outlook.”
The inaugural evening glittered with the presence of industry icons and dignitaries, including Manoj Bajpayee, R. Balki, Khushboo Sundar, Shri Rajesh Kumar (Director, DS Group), Ms. Ruchika Kapoor Sheikh (Netflix India), and Shri Sanjay Gupta, Director and Editor-in-Chief, Jagran Prakashan Ltd. Their presence lent not just star power, but also heartfelt support for a festival that continues to nurture conversations, talent, and cultural bridges.
As the curtains rose on its 13th edition, Rajnigandha Presents Jagran Film Festival 2025 radiated with enthusiasm, reaffirming its legacy as a festival where cinema is not just watched — it is felt, celebrated, and lived.