From Shekhar Kapur to Divya Dutta, the festival drew star power, packed houses, and a high-energy expo floor
New Delhi : Day 4 of the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 emerged as one of the most dynamic days of the festival so far, bringing together leading voices from across the industry, packed screenings, and an expo that remained active throughout the day. The festival welcomed a strong line-up of celebrated names, including Samyuktha Menon, Khushbu Sundar, Divya Dutta, Arjan Bajwa, Rituparna Sengupta, and Shekhar Kapur. Their presence drew large crowds and heightened media attention across venues, adding to the day’s overall buzz.
At Bharat Mandapam, screenings played to packed houses through the day. Films such as Virupaksha, Puratan, and Aranmanai 4 set the pace early, while Jana Gana Mana drew a strong evening turnout. Parallel screenings in Audi 2, including Bohorupi, Maa, Demon Hunters, and Guru Nanak Jahaz, underscored the festival’s wide-ranging programming across languages and genres. Beyond the screenings, the IFFD Expo remained a lively hub, with steady footfall and conversations across stalls and installations. Bringing together film bodies, creators, and cultural showcases, the space extended the festival experience beyond cinema halls into a dynamic environment of exchange and discovery. The festival’s city-wide footprint continued to drive strong turnout, with PVR theatres across Jasola, Rajouri Garden, Dwarka, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Moti Nagar, and Chanakyapuri seeing consistent audiences through the day. A diverse slate featuring MoromorDeuta (Dear Father), Phoujee (The Goddess of Paddy), If on a Winter’s Night, and Aar Paar kept audiences engaged, alongside curated selections such as Tiger Tiger, What If I Tell You, Baab, and a cluster of independent films at Jasola.
A standout moment on Day 4 was the masterclass by K. K. Senthil Kumar, which drew a packed audience of filmmakers, students, and cinephiles. Focusing on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, he highlighted the importance of aligning closely with a director’s vision. “Every film will have its own distinctive features,” he noted, adding that it is the director’s perspective that ultimately shapes a film’s visual identity. The session resonated strongly with attendees, emerging as one of the most engaging conversations of the day. Early morning screenings, including Father Mother Sister Brother, Romantic Affairs; and Thanthapperu – Life of a Phallus, set a distinct tone, balancing independent storytelling with larger cinematic narratives. Looking ahead, Day 5 promises to build on this momentum. The line-up includes screenings such as Ahilya: Zindagi Ekaki, Aisa Pati Mujhe De Bhagwan, and a restored screening of Sholay, alongside a fresh slate across city venues featuring titles like Diamonds in the Sand, Baraat, and The Ugly. The day will also feature sessions led by Bhumi Pednekar on purpose-driven cinema, Anupam Kher on performance and longevity, and Divya Dutta on women in digital storytelling.
For Delhi audiences, the day offered more than just screenings; it created a shared cultural moment across the city, where cinema became both a collective experience and a point of conversation. From early-morning shows to late-evening sessions, the festival drew students, families, and film enthusiasts, reinforcing its growing connection with the public. With strong footfall, visible enthusiasm, and a programme that continues to connect industry and audiences, Day 4 further cemented IFFD 2026’s position as a city-wide celebration of cinema at scale.