Percept ICE produces a Grand Cultural Extravaganza at IFFI 2025 with the ‘Closing Ceremony’ and ‘IFFIESTA 2025’
~ Innovation, artistry and cinematic scale converge in two landmark showcases at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) ~
Percept ICE delivered a masterpiece in cultural curation and live spectacle at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, event managing both the prestigious IFFI Closing Ceremony and IFFIESTA in Goa. Together, the two properties showcased India’s cinematic heritage and living cultural traditions through immersive, broadcast-ready experiences that seamlessly blended technology, storytelling and artistic excellence, captivating audiences on-ground and millions watching live nationwide on Doordarshan and Waves OTT.
The 56th edition of IFFI culminated on November 28, 2025, with the ‘IFFI Closing Ceremony’ at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao. The grand finale brought together senior government leadership, cinematic icons and celebrated cultural voices. Conceptualised and delivered end-to-end by Percept ICE, the ceremony featured a bespoke, multi-layered stage, immersive visuals, precision-driven show flow and broadcast-optimised production design, creating a visually commanding and culturally resonant finale.
The red carpet and ceremony were graced by Shri Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa; Shri L. Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; and Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, alongside leading figures from Indian and global cinema.
The stage content included a stellar line-up, with mega movie icon Shri Rajinikanth being felicitated on stage for his contribution to the film industry for 50 years coinciding with the 50 years celebration of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), an interaction of Rishab Shetty with the folk art of Karnataka – Yakshagana, and felicitation on stage of legendary film and media personalities including Ramesh Sippy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, G V Prakash, and Abhay Sinha. Movie Integrations included the song launch of the blockbuster Dhurandar by Ranveer Singh, the trailer launch of the Netflix OTT series ‘Maamla Legal Hai’ featuring Ravi Kishan, Kusha Kapila, Anjum Batra, Rahul Pandey and Sameer Saxena; and the trailer launch of the movie ‘Akhri Sawaal’ featuring Nikhil Nanda, Amit Sadh, Namashi Chakraborty, Tridha Chaudhary and Abhijit Waran.
Interactions with Jury Chairperson Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and Festival Director Shekhar Kapur added to the gravitas to the evening, while culturally rooted performances by acclaimed ensembles such as the Manganiyar performance by Samandar Khan troupe within a multi level palace structure, the North East ensemble giving tribute to the centenary celebration of Maestro Bhupen Hazarika and performance by Grammy-nominaee Acyuta Gopi infused the ceremony with depth and artistic authenticity.
During the 56th IFFI that spanned from 20th to 28th November, the vibrant cultural heartbeat of IFFI – ‘IFFIESTA 2025’ unfolded over four evenings from November 21–24, 2025, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, and was designed as an open, inclusive celebration of India’s concert economy. Percept ICE delivered complete end-to-end event management, spanning concept, design, stage architecture, technical production, artist management, choreography and show flow, ensuring each evening was visually rich, emotionally engaging and produced for live broadcast.
IFFIESTA 2025 featured a compelling constellation of artists and storytellers across its four days. Distinguished guests including Shri Anupam Kher, Oscar-winning composer Shri M.M. Keeravani, National Award-winning actor Aimee Baruah, Ravi Kottarakara, South Korean MP-singer Jaewon Kim and Shri K. Satish Nambudiripad, Director General, Doordarshan, marked the festival’s opening, underscoring its national and international significance.
The live programming traversed genres and geographies, from Osho Jain’s evocative opening performance and the Suron Ka Eklavya showcases led by Pratibha Singh Baghel, to folk-fusion and Sufi-Bhakti segments featuring Vusat (Iqbal Khan). High-energy Battle of Bands evenings brought together Indian and international acts including The Bandits, Beats of Love, MH43, The Swastik, The Vairagis and Knights, while narrative-led folk and cinema-infused performances featured Raza Murad, Ather Habib, Kirti Nagpure, Dinesh Vaidya, Milan Singh and Aditi Shastri. The evenings were seamlessly anchored by hosts Neetu Chandra, Niharica Raizada, Harsh Limbachiya and Hussain Kuwajerwala.
Commenting on the showcases, Vidya Alva, Chief Operating Officer, Percept ICE, said
“IFFI remains one of the most prestigious and meaningful projects for Percept ICE. Working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, NFDC, the Ministry of Culture, Doordarshan, WAVES OTT, ESG, multiple government departments and creative partners has been both enriching and inspiring for the entire team. Winning the mandate on the strength of creative excellence combined with cost efficiency, and subsequently delivering global-standard showcases at the International Film Festival of India, stands as a moment of immense pride for Percept ICE.” With a legacy at IFFI spanning back to 2011 and 2012, when it managed the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Red Carpet events and PR, Percept ICE returned in 2025 to once again deliver world-class, bespoke entertainment, cultural and cinematic experiences – seamless, distinctive and unforgettable.
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