With Lulu Mall emerging as a vibrant new venue, the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival draws massive crowds, classic cinema celebrations and innovative open-air screenings
Bengaluru, NFAPost: The 17th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) is witnessing an unprecedented public response, bringing immense satisfaction to the organisers, according to Sadhu Kokila, President of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy. Speaking at the festival venue at Lulu Mall, Sadhu Kokila said the enthusiasm among film lovers has exceeded expectations, with an estimated 1.5 to 2 lakh visitors expected over the course of the festival.
“Seeing the kind of response BIFFes is receiving this year makes me extremely happy,” Sadhu Kokila said. “If we are getting such a strong turnout this year, it clearly means people appreciated last year’s festival. This edition is being conducted on a much grander scale.”
He noted that compared to previous editions, the festival this year has expanded significantly in terms of scale, accessibility and audience engagement.
Why the Shift to Lulu Mall Matters
One of the major changes this year has been the relocation of the festival venue from Orion Mall to Lulu Mall Bengaluru. Explaining the rationale behind the shift, Sadhu Kokila said the earlier venue, though comfortable, did not offer adequate visibility to the general public.
“Until last year, the festival was held at Orion Mall. While it was a good space, many people from outside did not even realise that such a large film festival was taking place there. We also faced space constraints,” he explained.
“Here at Lulu Mall, we not only have multiple screening halls but also enough space for exhibitions and public engagement. People have embraced this venue with great enthusiasm.”
The new location has helped BIFFes connect with a wider audience, including casual mall visitors, students and young cinephiles, significantly broadening the festival’s reach.
Restored Classics and Celebrating Kannada Cinema
Sadhu Kokila also highlighted the screening of restored Kannada films by the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy as one of the festival’s key highlights.
“We had planned to showcase restored films last year itself. However, due to the unavailability of suitable camera equipment, it had to be postponed. We are happy that it could finally be implemented this year,” he said.
In celebration of 91 years of Kannada cinema, a special photo exhibition tracing the journey of the industry has been curated on the third floor of Lulu Mall. Adding to this is the Wall of Honour, featuring photographs of some of the world’s greatest film personalities displayed along the mall’s walls as a tribute to cinematic excellence.
Open-Air Screenings Rekindle the Magic of Tent Cinema
Among the most crowd-pulling attractions this year is the open-air screening initiative at the outdoor premises of Lulu Mall. Designed to evoke nostalgia, these screenings recreate the experience of old-style tent cinemas using 35 mm projection.
“We are screening films exactly the way they were shown in earlier days, using 35 mm cameras. This itself has become a big attraction,” Sadhu Kokila said.
Legendary films featuring icons such as Dr Rajkumar and Shankar Nag are being screened every evening at 7 pm. The open screenings are free and open to the public, allowing anyone to walk in and enjoy cinema without tickets or passes.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the motorcycle ridden by Amitabh Bachchan in the iconic film Sholay has been put on display at the outdoor venue, becoming a popular selfie spot for film enthusiasts, college students and young visitors.
Open-Air Screening Schedule
The films scheduled for open-air screenings are:
- January 31: Ondanondu Kaladalli
- February 1: Bandhana
- February 2: Premada Kanike
- February 3: America America
- February 4: Mungaru Male
- February 5: Satya Harishchandra
With packed screening halls, buzzing exhibitions and a festive atmosphere that spills beyond cinema screens, BIFFes 2026 at Lulu Mall has transformed into a true people’s festival—one that celebrates not just films, but the collective joy of cinema itself.
