If 2023 was the year of Shah Rukh Khan's films&nbsp;Pathaan and Jawan, which made a furore at the box office, other relatively lesser-known films from regional cinema also made noise at the box office. This includes the Gujarati film Tron Ekka which was released on August 25. It became the&nbsp;second-highest-grossing Gujarati film of all time.

This year too, more regional films look set to get the cash registers ringing (hopefully). Here's a list of films in 2024 you should keep an eye out for: 
&nbsp; 
Musafira (Marathi) 
&nbsp; 
Producer Anand Pandit and Pushkar Jog are coming together once again in 2024 to present Musafira, a film about friendship. The film has been produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures, Goosebumps Entertainment and Nitin Vaidya Productions.&nbsp;Jog will direct the film and star in it along with Pushkaraj Chirputkar,&nbsp;Dissha Pardeshi, Pooja Sawant, Maadhav Deochake and Meera Sarang.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Warning 2 (Punjabi) 
&nbsp; 
Warning 2&nbsp;is a Punjabi sequel that portrays a series of conflicts between rivals and the film is expected to enhance the action quotient of its superhit predecessor by a notch. Last month, Yoodlee Films, the cinematic division of Saregama and Humble Motion Pictures shared a thrilling peek into this co-production with the release of a new motion poster.&nbsp;Directed by &nbsp;Amar Hundal, the film stars Gippy Grewal, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Jasmin Bhasin, Rahul Dev, and Raghveer Boli.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-dga-awards-2024-christopher-nolan-greta-gerwig-among-nominees-678875">DGA Awards 2024: Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig among nominees</a> 
&nbsp; 
Pushpa 2 (Telugu)

Post the worst phase of the pandemic, Pushpa: The Rise was released in December 2021 in Telugu along with dubbed versions in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages. It went on to gross over Rs 360 crore and became the highest-grossing Indian film in 2021. Now fans are waiting with bated breath for Pushpa 2: The Rule,&nbsp;directed once again by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Sukumar Writings. It will star Allu Arjun alongside Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sag-awards-2024-nominations-barbenheimer-dominates-film-categories-678857">SAG Awards 2024 Nominations: Barbenheimer dominates film categories</a></h2>

Jilbi (Marathi) 
&nbsp; 
Marathi cinema's heartthrob Swapnil Joshi&nbsp;is all set to team up with filmmaker Anand Pandit for a sweet,&nbsp;slice-of-life comedy, Jilbi&nbsp;opposite Shivani Surve. Recently, actor-director Prasad Oak took to his Instagram handle to share this news with his followers. The film is expected to appeal to both the youth and family audiences. The film is directed by&nbsp;Nitin Kamble. The film is produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures.

If 2023 was the year of Shah Rukh Khan's films Pathaan and Jawan, which made a furore at the box office, other relatively lesser-known films from regional cinema also made noise at the box office.

If 2023 was the year of Shah Rukh Khan's films Pathaan and Jawan, which made a furore at the box office, other relatively lesser-known films from regional cinema also made noise at the box office. This includes the Gujarati film Tron Ekka which was released on August 25. It became the second-highest-grossing Gujarati film of all time. This year too, more regional films look set to get the cash registers ringing (hopefully). Here's a list of films in 2024 you should keep an eye out for: Musafira (Marathi) Producer Anand Pandit and Pushkar Jog are coming together once again in 2024 to present Musafira, a film about friendship. The film has been produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures, Goosebumps Entertainment and Nitin Vaidya Productions. Jog will direct the film and star in it along with Pushkaraj Chirputkar, Dissha Pardeshi, Pooja Sawant, Maadhav Deochake and Meera Sarang. Warning 2 (Punjabi) Warning 2 is a Punjabi sequel that portrays a series of conflicts between rivals and the film is expected to enhance the action quotient of its superhit predecessor by a notch. Last month, Yoodlee Films, the cinematic division of Saregama and Humble Motion Pictures shared a thrilling peek into this co-production with the release of a new motion poster. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film stars Gippy Grewal, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Jasmin Bhasin, Rahul Dev, and Raghveer Boli. DGA Awards 2024: Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig among nominees Pushpa 2 (Telugu) Post the worst phase of the pandemic, Pushpa: The Rise was released in December 2021 in Telugu along with dubbed versions in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages. It went on to gross over Rs 360 crore and became the highest-grossing Indian film in 2021. Now fans are waiting with bated breath for Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed once again by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Sukumar Writings. It will star Allu Arjun alongside Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna. SAG Awards 2024 Nominations: Barbenheimer dominates film categories Jilbi (Marathi) Marathi cinema's heartthrob Swapnil Joshi is all set to team up with filmmaker Anand Pandit for a sweet, slice-of-life comedy, Jilbi opposite Shivani Surve. Recently, actor-director Prasad Oak took to his Instagram handle to share this news with his followers. The film is expected to appeal to both the youth and family audiences. The film is directed by Nitin Kamble. The film is produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures.

Regional films we can't wait to watch in 2024

Regional films are breaking language barriers, gaining recognition for their impressive visual spectacles as well as compelling content and redefining cinematic entertainment. This shift is understandably expanding their audience across the country. Here are some recent hits that offered visual dynamism as well as strong, relatable human stories. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tron Ekka (Gujarati)

Gujarati entertainer Tron Ekka,&nbsp;has emerged as one of the top-grossing films this year and is breaking box-office powered by superb performances and an unusual theme. Produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and Jannock Films, the film establishes the right comedic tone from the very beginning and features the super hit trio of Yash Soni, Malhar Thakkar, and Mitra Gadhvi in lead roles. The situational comedy about a get-rich-quick scheme gone wrong is the perfect family entertainer and its peppy number "Tehunk"&nbsp;has also become a huge hit with content creators. The film is directed by Rajesh Sharma and also stars Chetan Daiya, Om Bhatt, and Hitu Kanodia.&nbsp;

Ved (Marathi)

Actor Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut, Ved,&nbsp;is a skillful fusion of love, sacrifice, and captivating plot twists that are essential for a commercial entertainer. Riteish takes on the central role of the lovelorn Satya in this film, with Jiya Shankar and Genelia Deshmukh as the female leads. Raviraj Kande, who plays the antagonist, delivers a commendable performance that has earned acclaim from both critics and audiences. Ved&nbsp;also boasts a cameo appearance by Salman Khan in a song sequence. Produced by Genelia D'Souza, Ved&nbsp;became the highest-grossing Marathi film of 2022 and the fourth highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. 
&nbsp; 
RRR (Telugu)

RRR,&nbsp;directed by SS Rajamouli and featuring Ram Charan and Jr NTR in central roles, is one of the most visually stunning Indian films of all time. Set against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement, it has garnered a global audience, and achieved the remarkable milestone of being the first Indian film to surpass one million viewers in Japan. Furthermore, RRR&nbsp;secured an Oscar for Best Original Song. Produced by D. V. V. Danayya of DVV Entertainment and shot with a humongous budget on expansive sets within Ramoji Rao Film City, the film serves as an exemplary illustration of how a larger-than-life theatrical experience can propel regional content to global prominence. 
&nbsp; 
Kantara (Kannada)

Rooted in the 'Daiva Kola' ritualistic traditions of Dakshina Karnataka, Kantara&nbsp;is a visually stunning, deeply stirring experience. Despite its modest budget, the film achieved pan-Indian success, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing film of 2022, thanks to its world-class cinematography and raw emotional power. Produced by Hombale Films and directed by lead star Rishab Shetty, this Rs 16 crore production went on to amass Rs 450 crore at the box office, according to various trade analysts. The success of Kantara&nbsp;has opened doors for numerous other regional films to celebrate their own cultural uniqueness even as they tell universal stories. 
&nbsp; 
Kasargold (Malayalam)

Yoodlee production Kasargold&nbsp;has attracted massive attention for its emphasis on action, stylised content and its central theme of greed and friendship. Directed by Mridul Nair, the film stars Asif Ali, Sunny Wayne, and Vinayakan in lead roles. Shot in northern Kerala, the film also features Goa and Bangalore as major locations and is indicative of the vast canvas regional makers are now working with. Inspired by gold smuggling cases, the film has been described by critics as a fast-paced, slick, new-generation movie with brilliant action sequences.

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Regional films are breaking language barriers, gaining recognition for their impressive visual spectacles as well as compelling content and redefining cinematic entertainment.

Regional films are breaking language barriers, gaining recognition for their impressive visual spectacles as well as compelling content and redefining cinematic entertainment. This shift is understandably expanding their audience across the country. Here are some recent hits that offered visual dynamism as well as strong, relatable human stories. Tron Ekka (Gujarati) Gujarati entertainer Tron Ekka, has emerged as one of the top-grossing films this year and is breaking box-office powered by superb performances and an unusual theme. Produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and Jannock Films, the film establishes the right comedic tone from the very beginning and features the super hit trio of Yash Soni, Malhar Thakkar, and Mitra Gadhvi in lead roles. The situational comedy about a get-rich-quick scheme gone wrong is the perfect family entertainer and its peppy number "Tehunk" has also become a huge hit with content creators. The film is directed by Rajesh Sharma and also stars Chetan Daiya, Om Bhatt, and Hitu Kanodia. Ved (Marathi) Actor Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut, Ved, is a skillful fusion of love, sacrifice, and captivating plot twists that are essential for a commercial entertainer. Riteish takes on the central role of the lovelorn Satya in this film, with Jiya Shankar and Genelia Deshmukh as the female leads. Raviraj Kande, who plays the antagonist, delivers a commendable performance that has earned acclaim from both critics and audiences. Ved also boasts a cameo appearance by Salman Khan in a song sequence. Produced by Genelia D'Souza, Ved became the highest-grossing Marathi film of 2022 and the fourth highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. RRR (Telugu) RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli and featuring Ram Charan and Jr NTR in central roles, is one of the most visually stunning Indian films of all time. Set against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement, it has garnered a global audience, and achieved the remarkable milestone of being the first Indian film to surpass one million viewers in Japan. Furthermore, RRR secured an Oscar for Best Original Song. Produced by D. V. V. Danayya of DVV Entertainment and shot with a humongous budget on expansive sets within Ramoji Rao Film City, the film serves as an exemplary illustration of how a larger-than-life theatrical experience can propel regional content to global prominence. Kantara (Kannada) Rooted in the 'Daiva Kola' ritualistic traditions of Dakshina Karnataka, Kantara is a visually stunning, deeply stirring experience. Despite its modest budget, the film achieved pan-Indian success, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing film of 2022, thanks to its world-class cinematography and raw emotional power. Produced by Hombale Films and directed by lead star Rishab Shetty, this Rs 16 crore production went on to amass Rs 450 crore at the box office, according to various trade analysts. The success of Kantara has opened doors for numerous other regional films to celebrate their own cultural uniqueness even as they tell universal stories. Kasargold (Malayalam) Yoodlee production Kasargold has attracted massive attention for its emphasis on action, stylised content and its central theme of greed and friendship. Directed by Mridul Nair, the film stars Asif Ali, Sunny Wayne, and Vinayakan in lead roles. Shot in northern Kerala, the film also features Goa and Bangalore as major locations and is indicative of the vast canvas regional makers are now working with. Inspired by gold smuggling cases, the film has been described by critics as a fast-paced, slick, new-generation movie with brilliant action sequences. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five regional films which have pushed the creative envelope

In recent times, regional stories have amplified voices against oppression and discrimination and countered patriarchy with great success. Here is an overview of some Kannada and Telugu offerings that have unapologetically brave, inspiring, and self-willed female protagonists. 
&nbsp; 
Purush 
&nbsp; 
Marathi playwright Jaywant Dalvi's Purush,&nbsp;was adapted into a Hindi teleplay by Zee Theatre and is now available in Telugu and Kannada as well for audiences in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Starring Ashutosh Rana and Gulki Joshi, the story depicts a battle of wills between a corrupt politician and a young, idealistic girl Ambika. After a horrific gender crime, the story reveals that patriarchy comes in many shades. But as Ambika defies societal norms to fight for the dignity of every oppressed woman, the teleplay also showcases her indomitable spirit that refuses to be broken.

<img alt="Purush" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48db4abc-498a-45de-9fe3-9c8d720df04f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-07-05T113220.622.jpg" />

Helmed by Saurabh Shrivastava, Purush also features Paromita Chatterjee, Deepak Qazir, Kranti Prakash Jha, and Neha Sar. Watch this thought-provoking drama in Hindi, Kannada, or Telugu at Tata Play Theatre on the 8 July and Dish TV Rangmanch Active and D2H Rangmanch Active on 15 July.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Urvi 
&nbsp; 
"Some women fear the fire. Some women become it," Director B.S Pradeep Verma’s powerfully crafted 2017 Kannada film Urvi&nbsp;exemplifies this idea. The film was screened at the 12th Cyprus International Film Festival and won much acclaim at home too for its refreshing theme.

<img alt="Urvi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fbbf63cc-6e17-4dbf-975f-f9fbd3fa1af4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-07-05T113024.247.jpg" />

The film takes us on a riveting journey with three women who find themselves trapped in difficult circumstances. These women, portrayed by Shweta Pandit, Shruthi Hariharan, and Shraddha Srinath, unite to plot revenge against a common enemy responsible for ruining their lives. What happens next is a wrenching study of the power dynamics between genders and the resilience and strength women display to just survive in a patriarchal milieu. You can watch the film on Amazon Prime Video. 
&nbsp; 
Shuddhi

"The fire within us should enlighten others too!" says a fiery protagonist in Adarsh Eshwarappa's Kannada film Shuddhi. The film begins with Karlyn Smith (played by Lauren Spartano), an American visitor to Bengaluru&nbsp;who befriends two journalists (played by Nivedhitha and Amrutha Karagada ) and then plunges the audience into a whirlpool of gender crimes and mysterious killings. A criminal is on the run, and a cat-and-mouse game ensues between him and the three women.

The film asks what can society and lawmakers do to make women safer in a country where rape occurs every few minutes. The film also stars Shashank Purushotham and can be watched online on various streaming platforms such as Neestream.

Mahanati 
&nbsp; 
This 2018 Telugu biopic became the highest-grossing female-led South Indian film at the time of its release and also fetched the National Award for Best Actress to&nbsp;Keerthy Suresh. The film retells the fascinating story of Savitri, a legendary actress, singer, and filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Telugu and Tamil cinema.

<img alt="Mahanati" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67981f62-7d69-4cea-8516-1e086b8db9c8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-07-05T112758.000.jpg" />

Helmed by Nag Ashwin, the film beautifully shows the rise of a young girl from a village to a cinematic icon who triumphed over trials, tribulations and immense heartbreak to carve a matchless legacy in her own right. Keerthy Suresh delivers a miraculous performance and plays Savitri with utmost grace and authenticity. Dulquer Salmaan plays Jaimini Ganeshan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays a passionate journalist who uncovers the many secrets of Savitri's life. It is streaming&nbsp;on Amazon Prime Video.

Ammu

Released in 2022, Telugu hit Ammu&nbsp;is a stunning rejoinder to domestic violence that is normalised in society and follows the story of a woman determined to bring an end to her abusive husband's reign as a police officer. &nbsp;Ammu is portrayed with raw emotion by Aishwarya Lekshmi who makes the audience feel both the vulnerability and the simmering rage of a battered wife.

<img alt="Ammu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54509e32-c315-4b4a-9104-ed120240996c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-07-05T112645.750.jpg" />

Directed by Charukesh Sekar, the film displays the harsh realities of domestic violence and the lengths a woman may go to seek justice and protect herself. Ammu sheds light on the urgent need for a more empathetic society where the cycle of abuse can be broken once and for all. The film also stars Naveen Chandra, and Bobby Simha and can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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In recent times, regional stories have amplified voices against oppression and discrimination and countered patriarchy with great success. Here is an overview of some Kannada and Telugu offerings that have unapologetically brave, inspiring, and self-willed female protagonists.

In recent times, regional stories have amplified voices against oppression and discrimination and countered patriarchy with great success. Here is an overview of some Kannada and Telugu offerings that have unapologetically brave, inspiring, and self-willed female protagonists. Purush Marathi playwright Jaywant Dalvi's Purush, was adapted into a Hindi teleplay by Zee Theatre and is now available in Telugu and Kannada as well for audiences in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Starring Ashutosh Rana and Gulki Joshi, the story depicts a battle of wills between a corrupt politician and a young, idealistic girl Ambika. After a horrific gender crime, the story reveals that patriarchy comes in many shades. But as Ambika defies societal norms to fight for the dignity of every oppressed woman, the teleplay also showcases her indomitable spirit that refuses to be broken. Helmed by Saurabh Shrivastava, Purush also features Paromita Chatterjee, Deepak Qazir, Kranti Prakash Jha, and Neha Sar. Watch this thought-provoking drama in Hindi, Kannada, or Telugu at Tata Play Theatre on the 8 July and Dish TV Rangmanch Active and D2H Rangmanch Active on 15 July. Urvi "Some women fear the fire. Some women become it," Director B.S Pradeep Verma’s powerfully crafted 2017 Kannada film Urvi exemplifies this idea. The film was screened at the 12th Cyprus International Film Festival and won much acclaim at home too for its refreshing theme. The film takes us on a riveting journey with three women who find themselves trapped in difficult circumstances. These women, portrayed by Shweta Pandit, Shruthi Hariharan, and Shraddha Srinath, unite to plot revenge against a common enemy responsible for ruining their lives. What happens next is a wrenching study of the power dynamics between genders and the resilience and strength women display to just survive in a patriarchal milieu. You can watch the film on Amazon Prime Video. Shuddhi "The fire within us should enlighten others too!" says a fiery protagonist in Adarsh Eshwarappa's Kannada film Shuddhi. The film begins with Karlyn Smith (played by Lauren Spartano), an American visitor to Bengaluru who befriends two journalists (played by Nivedhitha and Amrutha Karagada ) and then plunges the audience into a whirlpool of gender crimes and mysterious killings. A criminal is on the run, and a cat-and-mouse game ensues between him and the three women. The film asks what can society and lawmakers do to make women safer in a country where rape occurs every few minutes. The film also stars Shashank Purushotham and can be watched online on various streaming platforms such as Neestream. Mahanati This 2018 Telugu biopic became the highest-grossing female-led South Indian film at the time of its release and also fetched the National Award for Best Actress to Keerthy Suresh. The film retells the fascinating story of Savitri, a legendary actress, singer, and filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Telugu and Tamil cinema. Helmed by Nag Ashwin, the film beautifully shows the rise of a young girl from a village to a cinematic icon who triumphed over trials, tribulations and immense heartbreak to carve a matchless legacy in her own right. Keerthy Suresh delivers a miraculous performance and plays Savitri with utmost grace and authenticity. Dulquer Salmaan plays Jaimini Ganeshan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays a passionate journalist who uncovers the many secrets of Savitri's life. It is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Ammu Released in 2022, Telugu hit Ammu is a stunning rejoinder to domestic violence that is normalised in society and follows the story of a woman determined to bring an end to her abusive husband's reign as a police officer. Ammu is portrayed with raw emotion by Aishwarya Lekshmi who makes the audience feel both the vulnerability and the simmering rage of a battered wife. Directed by Charukesh Sekar, the film displays the harsh realities of domestic violence and the lengths a woman may go to seek justice and protect herself. Ammu sheds light on the urgent need for a more empathetic society where the cycle of abuse can be broken once and for all. The film also stars Naveen Chandra, and Bobby Simha and can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five powerful regional narratives that challenge patriarchy fearlessly

Yearender 2022: Top Indian regional films of the year

A delegation led by &nbspInformation and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani will promote regional cinema at Cannes Film Festival this year. National Award-winning films from Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Lakshadweep will be showcased by the contingent as they will push for their distribution and exhibition in the global market.

The prestigious film jamboree, where Nandita Das` "Manto" and Rohena Gera`s "Sir" are in separate competition sections, will get under way in the French Riviera on Tuesday.

Assamese film "Village Rockstars", Malayalam film "Bhayanakam", Bengali movie "Nagarkirtan", and "Sinjar", a film from Lakshadweep made in the Jasari language, will be showcased at the festival`s India Pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with Ficci.

"With a strong Indian delegation at the festival, we are positive that the world will see the diversity of our cinema and the exceptional cinematic talent our country possesses," Leena Jaisani, Assistant Secretary General, Ficci, told a news agency.

Irani, who has been persistent in drawing attention to the need to celebrate the country`s regional cinema, will inaugurate the India Pavilion on Wednesday.

The other delegates will include Ashok Kumar Parmar, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Vinod K. Jacob, Joint Secretary, (ED), Ministry of External Affairs Censor Board Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, Censor Board member Vani Tripathi Tikoo, filmmakers Shaji N. Karun, Jahnu Barua and Bharat Bala, as well as actress Parvathy.

Tikoo feels the domestic boundaries within Indian cinema need to go.&nbsp

"It`s either good or bad cinema. The thrust has to be on Indian cinema as good narratives are coming from every region," Tikoo told IANS, adding that it`s high time that as one of the largest film producing nations in the world, "we start respecting our cinema".

She rued how films from languages other than Hindi find relevance within India after gaining "olive branches", referring to the laurel wreaths that movies flaunt after touring international film festivals.

"It should be the reverse," averred Tikoo, who said the idea behind taking such titles to Cannes -- "the largest film market" -- is to ease the struggle a bit for films which have fantastic narratives, but find it hard to get the right exhibition platform.

Bala, known for patriotic videos like "Vande Mataram" and "Jana Gana Mana", pointed out that in the last several years, most Indian films which have got a positioning at foreign fests are regional titles.

"With the presence at Cannes Film Festival, the idea is to get them into the market, find a larger distribution stream and to work on existing co-production treaties," Bala was quoted as saying to a news agency

Actress Rasika Dugal, who will be in Cannes for "Manto", finds it a great initiative.

"There`s a lot of beautiful work happening in films in different parts of India which we don`t hear about... We either get to see it at a film festival or through a friend... So, I think it`s high time it gets a push," Rasika said.

The films apart, the delegation`s focus will be on leveraging co-productions with the countries with which India has co-production treaties, along with the other potential countries, promote ease of film shooting in India and position the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at festival circuits.

The India Pavilion will also see the launch of "T for Tajmahal", poster of "Bhonsle" by actor Manoj Bajpayee and producer Devashish Makhija, and actor Dhanush-starrer Indo-French co-production "The Extraordinary Journey Of Fakir".

At the main fest, two women filmmakers` projects from India have made it to competition sections. Das` Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer "Manto" is in the Un Certain Regard Section, while Gera`s "Sir" is in the Cannes Critics` Week sidebar.

On the red carpet too, there will be women power galore as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Huma Qureshi and Mallika Sherawat will be seen walking the red carpet for various brand endorsements, while actors like Rasika and Tillotama Shome will represent their movies. 
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An Indian delegation will showcase National award-winning regional films at the festival.

A delegation led by &nbspInformation and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani will promote regional cinema at Cannes Film Festival this year. National Award-winning films from Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Lakshadweep will be showcased by the contingent as they will push for their distribution and exhibition in the global market. The prestigious film jamboree, where Nandita Das` "Manto" and Rohena Gera`s "Sir" are in separate competition sections, will get under way in the French Riviera on Tuesday. Assamese film "Village Rockstars", Malayalam film "Bhayanakam", Bengali movie "Nagarkirtan", and "Sinjar", a film from Lakshadweep made in the Jasari language, will be showcased at the festival`s India Pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with Ficci. "With a strong Indian delegation at the festival, we are positive that the world will see the diversity of our cinema and the exceptional cinematic talent our country possesses," Leena Jaisani, Assistant Secretary General, Ficci, told a news agency. Irani, who has been persistent in drawing attention to the need to celebrate the country`s regional cinema, will inaugurate the India Pavilion on Wednesday. The other delegates will include Ashok Kumar Parmar, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Vinod K. Jacob, Joint Secretary, (ED), Ministry of External Affairs Censor Board Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, Censor Board member Vani Tripathi Tikoo, filmmakers Shaji N. Karun, Jahnu Barua and Bharat Bala, as well as actress Parvathy. Tikoo feels the domestic boundaries within Indian cinema need to go. "It`s either good or bad cinema. The thrust has to be on Indian cinema as good narratives are coming from every region," Tikoo told IANS, adding that it`s high time that as one of the largest film producing nations in the world, "we start respecting our cinema". She rued how films from languages other than Hindi find relevance within India after gaining "olive branches", referring to the laurel wreaths that movies flaunt after touring international film festivals. "It should be the reverse," averred Tikoo, who said the idea behind taking such titles to Cannes -- "the largest film market" -- is to ease the struggle a bit for films which have fantastic narratives, but find it hard to get the right exhibition platform. Bala, known for patriotic videos like "Vande Mataram" and "Jana Gana Mana", pointed out that in the last several years, most Indian films which have got a positioning at foreign fests are regional titles. "With the presence at Cannes Film Festival, the idea is to get them into the market, find a larger distribution stream and to work on existing co-production treaties," Bala was quoted as saying to a news agency Actress Rasika Dugal, who will be in Cannes for "Manto", finds it a great initiative. "There`s a lot of beautiful work happening in films in different parts of India which we don`t hear about... We either get to see it at a film festival or through a friend... So, I think it`s high time it gets a push," Rasika said. The films apart, the delegation`s focus will be on leveraging co-productions with the countries with which India has co-production treaties, along with the other potential countries, promote ease of film shooting in India and position the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at festival circuits. The India Pavilion will also see the launch of "T for Tajmahal", poster of "Bhonsle" by actor Manoj Bajpayee and producer Devashish Makhija, and actor Dhanush-starrer Indo-French co-production "The Extraordinary Journey Of Fakir". At the main fest, two women filmmakers` projects from India have made it to competition sections. Das` Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer "Manto" is in the Un Certain Regard Section, while Gera`s "Sir" is in the Cannes Critics` Week sidebar. On the red carpet too, there will be women power galore as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Huma Qureshi and Mallika Sherawat will be seen walking the red carpet for various brand endorsements, while actors like Rasika and Tillotama Shome will represent their movies.

Regional Indian films to get focus at Cannes Film Festival