Rajinikanth honoured as Chennai international film festival opens

The 23rd Chennai International Film Festival began yesterday at Sathyam Cinemas with a grand inauguration by Tamil Nadu Information and Publicity Minister M.P. Saminathan. A special award was presented to actor Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema. His daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth received the honour on his behalf.
Organised by the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) with support from the Government of Tamil Nadu and the National Film Development Corporation, the event was presided over by ICAF president Sivan Kannan. Vice-president Anand Rangasamy and general secretary Thangaraj were also present.
The festival, which runs until December 18, features 122 films from 51 countries. Tamil films such as 3 BHK, Maaman, Alangu, Kaathal Endrum pothuvudamai, Mayakkuthu, Paranthu Po, Tourist Family, and Vembu are among those scheduled for screening.
In celebration of Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday and his five decades of contribution to cinema, his film “Baadshah” is being screened today.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Saminathan said the connection between Tamil cinema and the Dravidian movement “cannot be separated.” He noted that the festival grant, which was Rs. 25 lakh in 2008, had been increased to Rs. 85 lakh in 2023, and further to Rs. 95 lakh this year. He also stated that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had approved raising the subsidy for the Goa International Film Festival to Rs. 15 lakh.
Actress Simran, director Abhishan Jeevanith, and several cinema personalities attended the event.