Indian film festival energizes Prague with Bollywood stars and dance

The 22nd annual Indian Film Festival opens Thursday at Kino Světozor on Vodičkova Street, Prague 1, bringing a selection of contemporary and classic films from India to Central Europe. This year is particularly special, featuring a new addition: an accompanying Indian Dance Festival. The event runs through Sunday, Nov. 2.

The festival, known for showcasing the breadth of Indian cinema, features films ranging from mainstream Bollywood productions to independent titles. “We are always happy to bring the audience news from Indian, mostly Mumbai, film studios,” said artistic director Radim Špaček.

 “We love it when we can enjoy the experience of a quality projection on the big screen together with others and hear their loud reactions,” he added.

This year’s program opens with Superboys of Malegaon, a tribute to grassroots filmmaking inspired by the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon. “This year, selecting films was pleasant and fun,” Špaček said, adding that the organizers hope each viewer will find a genre to their taste.

Expats.cz spoke with an Indian student living long-term in Prague, who told us: "Historically speaking, Czechia has a very interesting culture of film and art in similar mediums. It is nice to see that this space also being shared with artists from different communities too."

Among the highlights of the festival is a screening of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the 1998 romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, and Salman Khan. Described by Špaček as an “ageless nineties megahit,” the film returns to the big screen for both nostalgic audiences and new viewers.

The program also includes Santosh, a dark crime thriller and last year’s British Oscar nominee. The film, which the creators declined to alter to meet Indian censorship requirements, “is practically not allowed to be screened in India,” organizers noted, calling the Prague showing “a unique opportunity.”

The festival will close with Sitaare Zameen Par, starring Aamir Khan. The film, a remake of the Spanish drama Champions, explores how Indian society treats people with mental disabilities while offering what organizers describe as “an inspiring view of the power of humanity.”

Running parallel to the screenings, the Indian Dance Festival introduces dance seminars, private lessons, and performances led by international instructors. The weekend program will culminate in a Bollywood-themed gala at the Rokoko Theatre on Sunday evening.

Traditional Indian décor, cuisine, and the drink masala chai complements the festival atmosphere. The annual Bollywood dance party featuring DJ Deepak will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Klubovna 2. Patro in Prague 1.