Madhur Bhandarkar named Jury Chairman for IFFI 2026 Indian Panorama Feature Films
Synopsis
Madhur Bhandarkar — the filmmaker behind 'Page 3' and 'Fashion' — will chair the jury that handpicks the 25 films representing India at IFFI 2026. With screenings already underway and the festival set for Goa in November, the selection process is at a critical juncture.
Key Takeaways
Madhur Bhandarkar has been appointed Chairman of the Jury for the Feature Film Section of Indian Panorama at the 57th IFFI 2026 .
The jury will recommend 25 feature films for showcase, including 5 from mainstream cinema via trade bodies.
Selections will cover the main competition ( 3 films ), Best Debut Film of a Director ( 2 films ), and ICFT UNESCO-Gandhi Medal ( 3 films ).
Primary online jury screenings run from 29 September to 16 October 2026 ; central panel screenings at NFDC Auditorium, Mumbai follow from 18 October to 1 November 2026 .
The 57th IFFI will be held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026 .
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, celebrated for socially charged films such as 'Chandni Bar', 'Page 3', 'Fashion', and 'Babli Bouncer', has been appointed as the Chairman of the Jury for the Feature Film Section of Indian Panorama at the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026. The official communication confirming the appointment was issued by Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director of the 57th IFFI.
Role and Responsibilities
In his capacity as Jury Chairman, Bhandarkar will oversee the evaluation of eligible feature film entries and recommend 25 outstanding films for showcase at IFFI 2026. Of these, five films will be drawn from mainstream cinema as recommended by designated film trade bodies.
The jury will additionally recommend three films for the main competition, two films for the Best Debut Film of a Director category, and three films for the prestigious ICFT UNESCO-Gandhi Medal under the international competition. The panel will also evaluate contenders for the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award, recommending five films and selecting the ultimate winner.
About Indian Panorama
Indian Panorama is one of the two flagship sections of IFFI — the other being International Cinema — and is dedicated to showcasing the finest in contemporary Indian filmmaking. It serves as a curated platform that promotes excellence and diversity across India's many regional and national film industries. IFFI itself has been celebrating global cinema since its inception in 1952 and is organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
Screening Schedule and Timeline
The primary jury screening of eligible feature film entries commenced online on 29 September 2026 and is scheduled to continue until 16 October 2026. This will be followed by a central panel jury screening of 60 shortlisted feature films at the NFDC Auditorium in Mumbai, running from 18 October to 1 November 2026.
When and Where IFFI 2026 Will Be Held
The 57th IFFI is set to take place from 20 November to 28 November 2026 in Goa. Bhandarkar's appointment signals a continuation of IFFI's tradition of placing prominent auteurs at the helm of Indian Panorama's selection process, ensuring the jury brings both creative credibility and industry experience to the final showcase.
Point of View
Fashion, and bar industries — signals that Indian Panorama's 2026 selection may lean toward socially resonant, issue-driven cinema over festival-circuit prestige fare. Notably, IFFI's credibility as a platform for Indian films has been a recurring debate; placing a commercially credible yet critically respected auteur at the helm could help bridge the gap between industry and art-house sensibilities. The real test, however, lies in the 25 films the jury ultimately selects — and whether they reflect the breadth of India's regional cinema or default to a familiar set of languages and production centres.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Jury Chairman for Indian Panorama at IFFI 2026?
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has been named Chairman of the Jury for the Feature Film Section of Indian Panorama at the 57th IFFI 2026. The appointment was confirmed by Festival Director Ashutosh Gowariker.
What is Indian Panorama at IFFI?
Indian Panorama is one of IFFI's two flagship sections, dedicated to showcasing the best of contemporary Indian cinema. It is a curated platform that highlights excellence and diversity across India's regional and national film industries.
How many films will the Indian Panorama jury select for IFFI 2026?
The jury will recommend 25 feature films for showcase at the 57th IFFI, including 5 from mainstream cinema recommended by trade bodies. It will also shortlist films for the main competition, Best Debut Director award, and the ICFT UNESCO-Gandhi Medal.
When is the 57th IFFI scheduled to take place?
The 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India is scheduled from 20 to 28 November 2026 in Goa. Jury screenings are currently underway and will continue through early November.
What films is Madhur Bhandarkar known for?
Madhur Bhandarkar is known for socially driven films including 'Chandni Bar', 'Page 3', 'Fashion', and 'Babli Bouncer'. His work is widely recognised for its unflinching portrayal of Indian society and professional worlds.
