With Coronavirus restrictions in place, the opening ceremony of the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was a low-key affair, with just a handful of guests in attendance. The host, Tisca Chopra, welcomed the guests and opened the show with an introduction, which was followed by speeches by the dignitaries present.

Information and Broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar struck a hopeful note in his speech at the inauguration, saying, “The COVID vaccine has been launched today and we are sure that when the 52nd IFFI happens in November this year, things will be back to normal.”

The chief guest, Kichcha Sudeep, a versatile film personality from the Kannada industry, said, “Cinema takes you around the world from your seat and gets you closer to the culture of countries across the world. It’s wonderful to see myself seated with wonderful personalities, and Priyadarshan, who is from the same fraternity as mine. Let cinema be the new pandemic and spread over the world.”

Several actors such as Anupam Kher, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Ranveer Singh, Vidya Balan, Mohanlal, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Aparshakti Khurana, and others joined virtually. Other guests present included Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and actor Manoj Joshi.

The event was big on performances, with singer Sonia Shirsat opening the show with the popular Hanv Saiba Poltodi Vetam which was adapted by Raj Kapoor as Na Maangoon Sona Chandi in his movie Bobby (1973). There were traditional dance performances by Goan artistes too.