Lucknow – The city of Nawabs is all set to be drenched in the colors of cinema with the announcement of the Lucknow International Film Festival (LIFF), founded and curated by filmmaker Ayub Khan. The three-day festival will run from December 2 to 4, 2025, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences to celebrate the art of storytelling.
Renowned actor Rakesh Bedi, praising the Uttar Pradesh government for its encouragement of cinema, lauded Lucknow’s greenery, cuisine, and cultural grace. He will not only serve as a jury member for the festival but also act in Ayub Khan’s upcoming feature film Shubh Sangam, which was officially announced alongside the festival.
Festival founder Ayub Khan, who is also a producer, director, and distributor, expressed his excitement:
“Lucknow is a magnificent city where cinema is deeply loved. In the first week of December, we are bringing this three-day celebration of films. I am delighted that eminent personalities like Rakesh Bedi, Soham P. Shah, and B.N. Tiwari, President of the Film Federation of India, are joining us for this special occasion.”
The screenings will take place at PVR Cinema, Saharaganj, Lucknow, with director and jury member Soham P. Shah highlighting the festival’s vision:
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, we are beginning this prestigious festival in Lucknow to encourage talented writers, directors, and artists from the state. Adding to the excitement, Ayub Khan’s new Hindi feature film Shubh Sangam will commence shooting in Uttar Pradesh in November 2025.”
Sharing his long association with Ayub Khan, Rakesh Bedi said:
“I have worked with him in the CineDreams International Film Festival in Mumbai as a jury member and acted in his film Be-Lagaam. He is not only a talented storyteller and director but also a genuine and kind human being. Our creative journey together has been very meaningful.”
Former Censor Board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani, now on the festival’s Board of Directors, also extended his wishes:
“It is a proud moment to be associated with the Lucknow International Film Festival. Ayub Khan’s dedication and vision have made this possible. Alongside the festival, he is announcing Shubh Sangam, which will be shot entirely in Uttar Pradesh. I wish him success.”
With the double announcement of Lucknow International Film Festival and the film Shubh Sangam, the city is preparing for a grand cultural celebration where cinema, art, and creativity will take center stage this December.
