The upcoming edition of the Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF) is set to open with a special tribute marking 50 years of Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed classic ‘Nishant’ a film that reshaped Indian cinema in the 1970s with its powerful storytelling and social realism.

According to a press release, the commemorative screening will take place on November 13, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra (W), Mumbai, starting 4 pm onwards. The event will be graced by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who delivered one of his earliest and most memorable performances in the 1975 landmark film.

‘Nishant’, which featured an ensemble cast including Smita Patil, Girish Karnad, Amrish Puri, and Naseeruddin Shah, went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival, earning widespread global acclaim. The film’s portrayal of feudal power dynamics and moral conflict established Benegal as a visionary filmmaker and remains one of the defining works of Indian parallel cinema.

Speaking about the tribute, Anshika Singh, Festival Director of YIFF, said, “Fifty years since its release, ‘Nishant’ remains a powerful reflection on power, morality, and human resilience — a work that redefined how truth could be told on screen. To commemorate both 50 years of ‘Nishant’ and 50 years of Naseeruddin Shah in cinema, we’re honoured to present the newly restored 2K version of the film at our Opening Ceremony. To have Naseeruddin Shah Sahab with us for this special screening is an honour beyond words.”

The evening will feature the screening of the newly restored version of ‘Nishant’ in the presence of Shah, marking a nostalgic yet momentous celebration of Indian cinema’s creative legacy.

This tribute will inaugurate the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025, which will run from November 13 to 20, showcasing over 120 films and events across venues such as PVR Lido (Santacruz), Veda Black Box, and Veda Kunba Theatre. The festival will screen a mix of international titles including ‘Aisha Can’t Fly Away’, ‘Caravan’, ‘Holy Rosita’, ‘Aurora’, ‘Beautiful Evening’, ‘Beautiful Day’, and ‘The Second Coming’, alongside Indian films such as ‘Kaisi Ye Paheli’ and ‘Dream Factory’.

Beyond screenings, YIFF 2025 will also host masterclasses and conversations with acclaimed filmmakers like Hansal Mehta, Shoojit Sircar, and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, as well as industry panels exploring themes of diversity, empathy, and the evolving future of storytelling.

With its rich lineup and thoughtful programming, the 2025 edition of YIFF aims to be one of the most vibrant and inclusive celebrations of global and Indian cinema, bringing together creativity, reflection, and a shared love for the art of storytelling.