The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has announced its official competition lineup, featuring 15 feature films vying for the Golden Peacock award. Japanese filmmaker Miike Takashi’s courtroom drama Sham and Rajkumar Periasamy’s Tamil-language war-action film Amaran are among the Indian and international entries. The festival will take place in Goa from November 20-28, 2025. The Golden Peacock winner will receive INR40 lakh ($45,115), alongside awards for best director, actor, actress, and a special jury prize.
Competition Details
The IFFI 2025 International Competition slate includes 12 international films and three Indian entries. An international jury, headed by Indian filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, will evaluate the films. The jury includes editor-director Graeme Clifford (Australia), actor Katharina Schüttler (Germany), filmmaker Chandran Rutnam (Sri Lanka), and cinematographer Remi Adefarasin (UK).
Notable international entries include:
Fatih Akin’s Amrum (German-Turkish historical drama)
Simón Mesa Soto’s A Poet (Colombian tragicomedy)
Diane Kurys’ C’est Si Bon (French romance)
Johanna Moder’s Mothers Baby (Austrian psychological thriller)
Indian entries highlight diverse storytelling:
Rajkumar Periasamy’s Amaran dramatizes Major Mukund Varadarajan’s valor during the 2014 Qazipathri Operation
Thalava KV’s Sarkeet explores family dynamics with an ADHD-diagnosed child
Santosh Davakhar’s Gondhal depicts rural Maharashtra rituals
Jury and Critics’ Reactions
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, jury head, said:
“This year’s lineup demonstrates remarkable diversity in storytelling and global perspectives. Films like Miike Takashi’s Sham bring a new depth to courtroom dramas, while Indian entries show our cinematic versatility.”
Critics highlight Sham for its intense courtroom narrative and Amaran for its patriotic storytelling and action sequences.
Impact Analysis
The inclusion of Miike Takashi’s Sham and Amaran strengthens IFFI 2025’s reputation as a platform for both international auteurs and Indian filmmakers. Awards recognition at IFFI can boost global distribution opportunities and influence potential Oscar and festival trajectories.
What’s Next
IFFI 2025 will run screenings, masterclasses, and panel discussions through November 28. The official winners of the Golden Peacock and other awards will be announced at the closing ceremony in Goa. Audience and critic reactions during the festival may further shape the films’ international recognition.
