Rajinikanth touched down in Goa on Thursday to be part of the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India, where he will be felicitated for completing 50 years in cinema. The superstar arrived with his daughter Aishwarya, marking a special moment for fans as the two made their way into the festival venue together.
The 2025 edition of IFFI, running from November 20 to 28, has put the spotlight on Rajinikanth’s extraordinary career, recognising a journey that has shaped Indian cinema for five decades. His presence at the closing ceremony is expected to be one of the festival’s biggest highlights, drawing attention from fans, filmmakers, and the global film community.
A video circulating online shows Rajinikanth and Aishwarya arriving at their hotel in Goa, where they received a warm traditional welcome.
Dhol beats filled the air as hotel staff greeted the Thalaivar with folded hands. Rajinikanth, dressed in a beige shirt and black track pants, acknowledged the crowd with a smile and folded hands, while Aishwarya walked alongside him, interacting with those gathered to catch a glimpse of the duo.
IFFI 2025 has built its programming around both legacy and innovation. This year’s lineup features more than 240 films from 81 countries, making it one of the most expansive editions yet. The festival includes 13 world premieres, five international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres, a slate that reflects IFFI’s growing global reach.
The event has also paid homage to several icons of Indian cinema, celebrating the centenaries of Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury. Restored versions of their classic films were screened as part of the tribute.
Within the Indian Panorama section, 25 feature films, 20 non-feature titles, and five debut works were showcased, underscoring the breadth of contemporary filmmaking across the country.
Rajinikanth’s felicitation ceremony will honour his enduring influence, from his early days as a bus conductor-turned-actor to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in Indian entertainment. For many at IFFI, his arrival with Aishwarya added a personal touch to a milestone that already carries immense cultural weight.
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