Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the biggest Indian film festival outside of India is set to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest pioneers of Hindi cinema, the legendary Guru Dutt. As part of its 2025 edition, IFFM will host special screenings of two of his most iconic masterpieces, Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool.
Guru Dutt, whose visionary storytelling and deeply human narratives forever changed the language of Indian cinema, continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and cinephiles around the globe. His films, marked by poetic intensity, aesthetic brilliance, and social relevance, remain timeless in their appeal and artistic impact. With this homage, IFFM aims to celebrate not just the man, but the legacy of a true auteur who gave Indian cinema some of its most memorable moments.
Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, shared her thoughts on this special tribute “Guru Dutt was far ahead of his time, both in terms of cinematic technique and the emotional depth of his narratives. His films like Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool are not just classics, they are cultural treasures that speak to the soul of Indian cinema. At IFFM, we believe it is essential to honour those who shaped our cinematic heritage. This tribute is our humble way of remembering his genius and introducing his timeless work to new global audiences.”
The screenings will be part of a curated retrospective celebrating Indian cinema’s golden age and its enduring influence. Audiences in Melbourne will get a rare opportunity to experience the visual poetry of Guru Dutt’s work on the big screen, a fitting tribute to a man who saw cinema not merely as entertainment, but as a form of profound artistic expression.
IFFM 2025 continues its legacy of showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian storytelling, honouring the icons of the past while embracing the voices of the future.