Superstar Rajinikanth lit up the closing day of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 as he arrived for the special screening of Lal Salaam, creating one of the most heartwarming moments of the festival. The iconic actor, attending events at INOX on the final day, was later felicitated for his phenomenal 50-year contribution to Indian cinema.
Rajinikanth delights paparazzi with rare photo moment
Rajinikanth’s presence on the red carpet instantly drew a wave of excitement among the paparazzi, who rushed to capture the rare sight. Responding with warmth and his trademark humility, the superstar paused to pose with the photographers, flashing his iconic smile. The brief interaction quickly became one of the most shared and cherished moments of IFFI 2025.
The actor’s gesture not only delighted the media but also set a celebratory tone for the festival’s final evening, with attendees applauding the spontaneity and warmth he displayed.
A grand tribute to a legendary career
Flying into Panaji for the final day, Rajinikanth received an emotional and elaborate honour as filmmakers, artists and international guests celebrated his extraordinary cinematic legacy. This year’s eight-day festival—held from 20th to 28th November—featured more than 240 films from 81 countries, reaffirming IFFI’s position as a global centre for film culture.
As tributes poured in, Rajinikanth appeared visibly moved. During the closing ceremony at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, he reflected on his journey, saying,
“50 years of acting in cinema felt like 10 or 15 years. If there are 100 more janams, I would like to be born as an actor and as Rajinikanth.”
His heartfelt acknowledgement of his fans, particularly Tamil audiences, touched the gathering. “All this honour goes to cinema industry people and mainly Ennai Vaazhaveikum Dheivangalana Tamil Makkal (the Tamil people, the gods who keep me alive),” he added, sparking a standing ovation.
Ranveer Singh’s tribute and the festival’s highlights
Actor Ranveer Singh, who attended the ceremony, was asked to comment on Rajinikanth’s five-decade legacy. With characteristic humility, he replied, “I’m too small to be speaking words about this level of greatness, all I can say is I look forward to Jailer 2. Hukum, Hukummm!”
The 56th edition of IFFI also celebrated the centenaries of revered Indian cinema icons including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury. Restored classics of these legends were screened to commemorate their timeless contributions to cinema.
Indian Panorama reinforces IFFI’s cultural commitment
The Indian Panorama section underlined IFFI’s dedication to developing and promoting diverse filmmaking talent. With 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films and five debut works showcased, the segment highlighted the festival’s dual mission: to honour the stalwarts of Indian cinema while uplifting emerging voices.
The curated selections offered a rich tapestry of storytelling, innovation and regional diversity, drawing praise from domestic and international attendees.
Conclusion
Rajinikanth’s presence at IFFI 2025 not only elevated the festival’s closing day but also served as a powerful reminder of his unparalleled influence on Indian cinema. As he continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences, his heartfelt tribute to his fans and fraternity echoed across the venue—fitting for a star whose legacy spans eras.