Salman Khan Being Human (SKBH) Productions’ first co-production, Chillar Party, will be the opening film of the IIFA Film Festival to be held in Toronto, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) announced yesterday. In just a few short weeks, the 12th Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend and the Floriana IIFA Awards will bring the magic and glamour of Asia’s most venerable cinematic festivities to North America for the very first time.
The film Chillar Party is a light-hearted but touching comedy that revolves around the lives of seven children each hailing from the various strata’s of society, typical of suburban Mumbai. The movie is a simple and heart-warming peek into the journey of a group of kids who defeat the odds and prove their loyalty to a friend. Chillar Party has been co-produced by Ronnie Screwvala and SKBH Productions.
The actor was present at the announcement along with directors, Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari and UTV CEO, Siddharth Roy Kapoor. Salman Khan, speaking of the film said, “Chillar Party is very close to my heart, the concept appealed to me and the children’s performances were endearing. This is the first film under SKBH Productions and we felt there was no better place to screen the movie than at the IIFA Film Festival. For me, IIFA is home-grounds and it can’t get bigger than IIFA in Toronto.”
This year, IIFA has a special treat in store for its Indo-Canadian fan base, three days of high-octane entertainment and spell-binding motion pictures – the IIFA Film Festival, set to take place at theatres across the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) beginning on 24th June. The IIFA Film Festival began in 2005 to give international audiences in the host country a flavour of Indian Cinema, showcasing some of the biggest blockbusters and films of repute, which have created a mark in the history of Indian Cinema.
This year, the festival has been designed keeping in mind the Punjabi population across four cities, Toronto, Markham, Brampton and Mississuaga, where the screenings will take place. The assortment of films are a mix of classics and blockbusters from Bollywood, almost 20 of them based in and around Punjab.
This year, the Government of Ontario and Premier Dalton McGuinty have appointed the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel as the charity of choice for support throughout the IIFA Weekend in Toronto in 2011. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel is a mentoring organization for children and youth that is committed to providing caring adult relationships for children to promote their healthy development and enhance their self esteem. As figures and role models that children and youth would aspire to, IIFA will be working with Indian film celebrities to be introduced as ‘honorary big brother & big sister’ volunteers.
Sabbas Joseph, Director-Wizcraft International Entertainment, said, “IIFA has always used the platform of cinema to build bridges with communities and nations and this year’s IIFA Film Festival will be a wonderful means of enabling audiences in Toronto to experience the colourful exuberance of Indian Cinema. We are pleased to open the festival with the much-anticipated, Chillar Party.”
Along with Chillar Party, the other films that will be screened are on the 24th: Hera Pheri, Chak De India, Black Rang De Basanti, Dil To Pagal Hai, Dil Bole Hadippa, Ghayal, Border, Veer Zaara, Diwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Amar Akbar Anthony, Jodha Akbar, Jab We Met. On the 25th: Yamla Pagala Dewaana, Namsety London, Patiala House, Rang De Basanti, Dil Chatha Hai, Damini, Dabangg, Dil To Pagal Hai, Love Aaj Kal, Chashme Baddoor, A Wednesday, Chak De India, Ghayal, Border, Betaab, Singh is Kingg. On the 26th: Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Heroes, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Jab We Met, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hera Pheri, Kaminey, Dabangg, Love Aaj Kal, Veer Zaara,amla Pagala Dewaana, Diwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Check out these exclusive videos and pictures from the event!
Photo credit Prateeksha Khot
