Grand welcome awaits Rajinikanth in Goa for International Film Festival of India

Megastar Rajinikath is all set to take Goa by storm when he arrives in the beach dotted state tomorrow to grace the all important 45th International Film Festival of India, popularly known as Goa Film Festival in our country. The legendary actor will be flying to Goa in his chartered jet and the anticipation of his arrival has only sent the excitement levels soaring among local residents who have erected huge cutouts of Rajinikath in superhero costumes, an ode perfectly befitting his superstardom. Rajinikanth will also be presented the Special Centenary Award for his contribution to Indian cinema during the festival. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion would be Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley who will be the chief guest for the function. Also present would be Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be special guest at the function. The inaugural event will be anchored by senior Bollywood actor Anupam Kher and diva Raveena Tandon. In a message sent to the festival organizer, PM Narendra Modi said, "Over the years, IFFI has emerged as a major event on the calendar of international cinema. Undoubtedly, this festival has proven to be a significant platform for Indian cinema enabling it to emerge as a distinct genre in world cinema. By showcasing films in different languages and from diverse cultures, IFFI contributes to the important task of breaking down boundaries between nations and cultures.” The festival this time will screen 179 films from 75 countries in different categories including World Cinema (61 films), Masterstrokes (11 films), Festival Kaleidoscope (20 films), Soul of Asia (7 films), Documentaries (6 films), and Animated Films (6 films). The Indian Panorama section would include 41 feature and non-feature films. Special focus this time will be given to Northeast with 7 films being lined up for screening.