Indian Film Festival (Bollywood in Rome)

Indian cinema in the heart of Rome

Some festivals are born to broaden horizons, and the Indian Film Festival—presented to the Roman public as Bollywood in Rome—is exactly that: a cultural bridge bringing the cinema of the Indian subcontinent to the heart of the Capital. The event is held at The Space Cinema Moderno in Piazza della Repubblica, one of Rome's historic cinemas, transforming the big screen into a window onto the colors, music, and emotions of one of the world's most prolific and beloved film industries.

A tribute to Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Following the 2025 debut, which focused on Indian cinema beyond Bollywood's borders, the 2026 edition takes a monographic approach, celebrating one of its most illustrious auteurs: Sanjay Leela Bhansali. A director and composer renowned for his opulent and visually stunning style, he masterfully weaves aesthetics with sentiment, music with tradition. His works have captivated major international festivals from Cannes to Locarno, and this retrospective offers a chance for the Italian public to experience them once again.

Three masterpieces on the big screen

The program brings together three films that trace the director's artistic journey: Bajirao Mastani (2015), a historical fresco set in the 18th-century Marathi court; Devdas (2002), the lavish melodrama presented at the Cannes Film Festival; and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), a free adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. It is an itinerary that showcases Bhansali's unique ability to blend spectacle, dance, soundtracks, and grand popular storytelling.

The allure of Bollywood, explained in Rome

For those new to this universe, Bollywood is not just a genre; it is a way of viewing cinema as a total celebration, where drama, music, and choreography coexist in sweeping films. Watching them in the cinema, in their original language with Italian subtitles, allows viewers to grasp their full visual and sonic power, which is difficult to replicate on a home screen.

An event by the Embassy of India

The festival is organized and promoted by the Embassy of India in Rome, with the support of the Indian Government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as part of cultural diplomacy initiatives that bring the Roman public closer to the arts of the subcontinent. This free event, open to all, enriches the cultural offerings of the City of Rome and Roma Capitale, in the Lazio region, confirming the city as a crossroads for world cultures and cinema.