The Indian consul-general of India in Durban, Niteen Subhash Yeola and the head of the Avalon Group, AB Moosa, ( right) unveiled the Durban Indian Film Festival on Friday at the Indian Consulate offices in Durban. The festival will take place from March 26 to 28.
Image: RAJESH JANTILAL
The Consulate General of India in Durban is set to host a three-day Indian film festival from March 26 to 28 at the Suncoast Cinecentre, marking a significant cultural event aimed at celebrating the richness and diversity of Indian cinema.
The festival will showcase acclaimed films and strengthen the cultural ties between India and South Africa.
Film enthusiasts in KwaZulu-Natal will have the chance to immerse themselves in Indian storytelling through various films presented in multiple Indian languages.
The festival's goal is to create an engaging space for the local community, students, and cinephiles to interact with the intriguing narratives and vibrant culture that Indian cinema offers.
The Durban Indian Film Festival 2026 is organised by the Consulate General of India, Durban in partnership with Suncoast Cinecentre and with the support of Zee South Africa and NFDC (National Film Development Corporation).
Niteen Subhash Yeola, the Indian consul-general in Durban, said Durban occupies a special place in the shared history between the two countries.
"It is home to one of the largest Indian origin communities outside India and those contributions have enriched South Africa's socio-economic and cultural life.
"Indian films have popularity across Africa, including South Africa, so with this festival we hope to bring Indian stories, music and culture closer to the audience in Durban by also creating opportunities for a cultural dialogue. The festival will feature films from across various regions of India, different languages and diversity of Indian cinema," said Yeola.
Vikram, a high-energy Tamil action thriller
Image: Supplied
Among the films that are in the festival line-up includes Vikram, a high-energy Tamil action thriller, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, which is an emotional drama inspired by a true story about a mother's struggle to reunite with her children.
The other film is Munna Bhai MBBS, the beloved Hindi comedy-drama about an unconventional medical student who redefines compassion in healthcare.
There is also Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the popular sequel that creatively revives the principles of Mahatma Gandhi for modern society, and Hellaro, an award-winning Gujarati film celebrating women's empowerment through the cultural tradition of Garba, among others.
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway will be screened in a special isiZulu dubbed version, while the others will be presented in their original languages with English subtitles.
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, an emotional drama inspired by a true story about a mother's struggle to reunite with her children
Image: Supplied
Munna Bhai MBBS, the beloved Hindi comedy-drama about an unconventional medical student who redefines compassion in healthcare
Image: Supplied
The festival is expected to be attended by prominent personalities from the Indian film industry as well as South African celebrities.
Their presence will add further excitement to the festival and provide audiences in Durban with an opportunity to engage with leading figures from Indian cinema.
In addition to the screenings, the festival will offer filmmaking workshops, interactive sessions, competitions and discussions related to filmmaking.
Entry to all screenings is free, subject to prior registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
Further details regarding the movies, personalities, and registration will be available on the Consulate General of India, Durban's social media platforms and website.
Hellaro, an award-winning Gujarati film celebrating women's empowerment through the cultural tradition of Garba
Image: Supplied
Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the popular sequel that creatively revives the principles of Mahatma Gandhi for modern society
Image: Supplied