24092026-LSTC-01.qxd 9/24/2026 12:32 AM Page 1 c m y b ROYAL SUPPORT FOR CRUISE Tom Cruise welcomed Prince William & Princess Catherine of Wales at the world premiere of his film Digger in London, where he thanked the royal couple for their support towards art. TRIBUNE Hosting debut Life Pankaj Tripathi is set to make his awards-show hosting debut at the IIFA Digital Awards. The 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 North-East finds its voice on screen Nonika Singh W HEN Bollywood entertainers like Dhurandhar did not make it as India’s official entry to Oscars and instead Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi film Gondhal did, votaries of regional cinema must have rejoiced, if not heaved a sigh of relief. Just as we were mulling over the merits of Silver Peacock Award winner (Best Director) at IFFI, came another piece of news which truly gladdened our hearts. Angh, a 2026 Indian Konyaklanguage drama film, directed by Theja Rio, till the other day Village Rockstars was India’s sole entry for the Platform section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. As the film from Nagaland won The Platform Prize, a rare feat, it automatically became eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards. Ironically, the film was considered by the Film Federation of India and was among the final three films but Gondhal had more members voting for it. Where and how the film on conflict between a tribal and the Christian Missionary, a lament for the past ways of life in what is today a Christianmajority state moves in the Oscar race remains to be seen. But for now, the Platform jury is all praise, hailing Rio’s, “vision, audacity and courage, the film’s refreshing perspective, strength of filmmaking, and deeply resonant portrait of a world.” Eastern star ‘Regional/ local is universal’ might sound like euphemism, but dig deeper and it holds much depth and wisdom within. For decades, Marathi cinema, Bengali cin- BOONG As Konyak-language drama Angh enters the Oscar race, the spotlight turns to the new wave of films from the North-East that are breaking barriers, earning global recognition and reshaping how the region is seen on screen ema and films from the South, particularly Malayalam movies have had their moments of glory. Suddenly the region that is in the spotlight is the North-East. Yes, the very region that rarely finds space in our mainstream cinema. Or, for that matter in our pan-India consciousness. Yet, more and more compelling and visually arresting stories from the North-East are lending fresher perspectives to our limited understanding of the far removed states, geographically and emotionally. Only few months ago Manipuri film Boong won hearts beyond borders. The heart-tugging film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi created history by becoming the first Indian film to win the prestigious BAFTA in the Children and Family category. Back in 2017, celebrated Assamese filmmaker Rima Das’ Village Rockstars created both national and international buzz picking up a flurry of prestigious honours. The first Assamese film to be submitted for the Oscars, it didn’t make it to the final short list of top nine films, but the sequel, Village Rockstars 2, picked up the Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film at Busan Film Festival. Interestingly, it was at the Busan Film Festival that Tribeny Rai’s debut feature film from Sikkim, Shape of ANGH Momo, won the Songwon Vision Award. With host of films from the North-East, breaking out in the international scene, in an interview with The Tribune, Tribeny reminded us how filmmakers like renowned Assamese director Jahnu Barua have been making films for the longest time. Boong director Laxmipriya Devi too took us to days of Manipuri films like Ishanou. But as Tribeni put it, “Currently, films from the North-East are creating a buzz with greater consistency and frequency.” Language no bar As one after another film crosses the ‘one-inch tall bar- rier’ of subtitles, it breaks many stereotypes, fights prejudices we nurse about the region too and challenges clichéd and exotic representation of its people. The fact that most of these films are made by insiders or as Tribeny remarked, “We have to be heroes in our own stories,” which meant stories not only indigenous, rooted in terra firma with local actors, often non-actors driving the narrative but also deeply personal. Art of storytelling Set in 1960s, in a remote IndoBurma village, Angh stands out for its ‘intimate storytelling’ revisiting a ‘disappearing world.’ At TIFF Rio , SHAPE OF MOMO said, “I come from a small town in the North-East of India where dreams do not often come true for my people.” But he and a whole lot of makers before him are having more than a ‘dream-come true’ moment and are giving not just their people but all of India enough reasons to smile and dream. “This is just the beginning...” Rio added. Endless we hope… but didn’t Lakshmipriya tell us, “I am not the first one, nor the last one.” Indeed, who cares about tomorrow when the present is as glorious? The North-East is being heard; loud and clear. It’s many voices resonating across the world… PHOTO: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Rashmika Mandanna @Milan chandigarh WHAT’S HOT learn PAPER WORLD S TEP into a tiny world of paper and create your own miniature scene, learning to fold, cut, shape and layer paper into charming details, guided step by step to take home a unique miniature artwork that tells your own little story. Catch it at Olive Cafe and Bar, Chandigarh, on September 27 The pan-Indian actress steps out in Anamika Khanna couture, bejewelled in Swarovski amritsar play EK AWAAZ, EK EHSAAS O N the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar’s 97th birth anniversary, Ficci Flo Amritsar in collaboration with Timeless Amritsar & Swarna Trails, presents an intimate musical tribute to the timeless legacy of Lata didi. Adding to the evening, a gifted vocalist with roots in the Valley of Kashmir will mesmerise the audience with her soulful vocals, bringing alive some of Lata didi’s most cherished melodies. At Luxury Loft, Palm Grove on September 27. love ISHQ WITH PRIYA P mohali RIYA MALIK is back with the final chapter of Ishq Hai, an India tour blending poetry, storytelling and music that feels less like a performance and more like a shared memory of love, heartbreak and companionship, accompanied by singer-songwriter Tanmay Maheshwari. Catch it at Studio XO, Mohali, on September 26. Sharvari Wagh, who visited Ludhiana for an event, is excited for her next release, Ye Prem Mol Liya A Barjatya film, a dream fulfilled Shivani Bhakoo Sharvari Wagh is thrilled to be associated with Rajshree Productions, fulfilling a childhood dream of working with acclaimed director Sooraj Barjatya, whose films have often celebrated the beauty and importance of family bonds. “I am super excited for this film Ye Prem Mol Liya opposite Ayushman Khurana, who is a seasoned actor,” says the leading Bollywood actress. Sharvari, who was in Ludhiana for an event, organised by the Godrej Professional, said during adolescence, she used to watch Barjatya films, and used to act before her family members, who supported her. Sharvari visited Punjab several times during the shooting of Imtiaz Ali’s film Main Wapis Aaunga, but this was her first visit to Ludhiana. She particularly cherishes her visit to the Golden Temple and the Wagah border with her mother. She likes the Punjabis for their hospitality and warm vibes. And her favourite Punjabi food? Chane bhature and lassi. “Hun mainu Punjabi thodi thodi aundi hai,” said the Maharashtrain girl. c m y b Recalling her professional journey, Sharvari said that Bollywood was never a cake walk for her. Like many others, she also struggled for years till the time she got a break on OTT with The Forgotten Army. The bubbly actor revealed that for the career growth in the industry, one has to experiment with different roles. The Suraj Barjatya film will be released in November for which Sharvari has been eagerly waiting for. Giving out a message to the younger generation, she said, “Listen to your heart and move ahead.” Rashmika Mandanna made a stunning appearance on the global stage on Tuesday as she attended the prestigious Vogue World event in Milan. Walking the international red carpet alongside global icons, including Dua Lipa, Dakota Johnson and Michael B Jordan, the pan-India star represented the growing global presence of Indian cinema and Indian talent on the international cultural landscape. The exclusive gala brought together leading names from the worlds of fashion, art and music. Amid the star-studded gathering, Rashmika commanded attention with her striking presence, marking another significant fashion moment. For the occasion, Rashmika stepped out in a striking look from Anamika Khanna’s collection, featuring a sleek, high-neck, sleeveless black gown that brought together contemporary edge and timeless elegance. The floor-length silhouette was elevated with intricate shimmering detailing, while Swarovski jewellery added a touch of sparkle to the sophisticated ensemble. She completed the look with a Gucci bag, pointedtoe black heels and soft cascading waves, creating a refined and effortlessly glamorous redcarpet appearance. —TNS Another milestone for Vir Das Stand-up comedian Vir Das is set to take his ongoing global comedy tour I Say We Run to New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on January 30, 2027, adding another landmark venue to his international journey. The January 30 performance will be part of Das’ ongoing international tour I Say We Run, which began at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. The tour is also scheduled to travel to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena next month . — ANI