Celebrating Heritage and Innovation: PIFF 2026 Salutes Veterans, Champions Marathi Cinema |

Updated: January 04, 2026 13:13

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The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 will honour veterans Biswajit Chatterjee, Farida Jalal, Asha Kale, and Amar Haldipur. Seven Marathi films will compete in the “Marathi Cinema Today” section. The festival opens January 15 in Pune, featuring screenings, workshops, and awards across 10 venues.

The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 is set to open on January 15 at E-Square Theatre, Pune, promising a vibrant celebration of cinema with a mix of tributes, competitions, and cultural events. Festival president and director Jabbar Patel announced that this year’s edition will honour veteran actors Biswajit Chatterjee, Farida Jalal, and Asha Kale with the PIFF Distinguished Award for their invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. In addition, renowned violinist, music arranger, and composer Amar Haldipur will receive the prestigious S.D. Burman International Award for his outstanding work in music.

Key highlights of the announcement include:

Honouring cinema veterans: Biswajit Chatterjee, Farida Jalal, and Asha Kale will be recognized for their decades-long impact on Indian films.
Music excellence: Amar Haldipur will be awarded for his pioneering contributions to film music and orchestration.
Marathi Cinema Today competition: Seven Marathi films have been shortlisted to compete, showcasing the diversity and creativity of regional cinema.
Festival events: Alongside screenings, PIFF will host workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions, enriching the cultural dialogue around cinema.
Venues: Screenings will take place across 10 locations in Pune, with the closing ceremony and awards function scheduled at Balgandharva Rangmandir.

The Marathi competition section, titled “Marathi Cinema Today”, continues to be a cornerstone of PIFF, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their work to global audiences. Patel emphasized that the festival aims to balance heritage and innovation, celebrating both the veterans who shaped Indian cinema and the new voices redefining it.

PIFF 2026 is expected to draw cinephiles, industry professionals, and students alike, reinforcing Pune’s reputation as a hub for cultural and cinematic excellence. With a blend of honours, competitions, and knowledge-sharing sessions, the festival promises to be a landmark event in India’s film calendar.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Deshdoot, Loksatta

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