Biffes off to a grand start, promises plenty of kicks

The seven-day Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes) got off to a grand start with Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor, who inaugurated the event, praising Karnataka and describing Mysuru as the favourite city of her grandfather Raj Kapoor.

The 10th edition of the festival will feature 200 films from across the world besides various seminars and workshops on cinema.

Besides the eight screens at PVR Cinemas in Orion Mall, the organisers have set up one screen at the Raj Bhavan.

"Cinema has always been about coming together of people regardless of their language, religion and culture. Karnataka is always special for the Kapoor family and Mysuru is the most beautiful city in the state which Raj Kapoor loved the most," Kareena said.

There was a thunderous applause after Kareena said she hoped to act in a Kannada movie.
"I do not know your language. I hope that maybe one day I can entertain you in your language," she said.

Film city in Mysuru

Kannada Chalanachitra Academy president S V Rajendra Singh Babu said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised him that the foundation stone for a film city in Mysuru will be laid on March 6.

"The government has sanctioned land right in front of Mysuru airport and the film city that will come up in over 100 acres will attract filmmakers from all over the country," he said.

Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, who came as a special guest, said it was very rare to see a government supporting a film festival to such an extent.

"The government has put its heart and soul into this event and the response to a festival that is so young is overwhelming," he said.

On a lighter note, Mehra sought to correct his description as a guest at the event.

"My life partner for 20 years is from Bengaluru. In fact, I am a son-in-law of Karnataka," he said.

Earlier, the steps of Vidhana Soudha became a stage for colourful dance performances as strobe lights pierced the sky above.

Academy award winning producer Marc Baschet, Iranian actor Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, ministers Roshan Baig and H M Revanna, legislative council chairperson D H Shankaramurthy took part in the event.