100 Years of Guru Dutt: Melbourne Festival Rewinds to India’s Golden Age

Image Source: Morning Kashmir

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 is set to pay a cinematic homage to legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt, marking 100 years since his birth. As part of its special programming, the festival will host tribute screenings of two of his most acclaimed works—Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool—bringing timeless Indian cinema to global audiences.

Tribute Highlights:

Pyaasa (1957) and Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) will be screened in restored formats at HOYTS Melbourne Central and Arts Centre Melbourne
The screenings will be accompanied by curated introductions and postshow discussions led by Indian film historians and critics
A special panel titled “Guru Dutt: The Poet of Shadows” will explore his influence on global auteurs and the evolution of visual storytelling in Indian cinema
Archival footage, behindthescenes stills, and rare interviews will be showcased at the National Gallery of Victoria throughout the festival week

Why Guru Dutt Matters:

Known for his lyrical style and melancholic themes, Guru Dutt redefined cinematic language in postindependence India
His films tackled existentialism, artistic struggle, and societal hypocrisy with poetic depth
Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool remain benchmarks in cinematography and narrative innovation
Dutt’s legacy continues to inspire filmmakers from Satyajit Ray to Martin Scorsese

Festival Context:

Running from August 14 to 24, IFFM 2025 will feature over 100 films, masterclasses, and cultural events. The Guru Dutt tribute is expected to be one of its most emotionally resonant highlights.

Sources: IFFM Official Website, What’s On Melbourne, ScreenHub Australia, Outlook India