Frames Film Festival 2025 Ignites Excitement as Theme ‘Kirdaar’ Unveiled at a High-Energy Pre-Event Celebration in Nerul

The Frames Film Festival 2025 began its journey on an uplifting and emotionally charged note as the pre-event celebration in Nerul unveiled the theme for its 23rd edition: Kirdaar. The announcement, met with loud cheers and heartfelt enthusiasm at SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), marked the highlight of an event designed to showcase creativity, student participation, and cinematic passion. The theme revealed more than just the direction of the festival; it symbolised a tribute to the very soul of filmmaking and the people who shape it.

Held annually, Frames Film Festival has grown into one of the largest student-driven film festivals in India. The 2025 pre-event set the tone for yet another impactful year, bringing together students, faculty, artists, and film enthusiasts under a shared vision of celebrating cinema in all its dimensions.

Leadership Sets a Collaborative Tone for 2025

The celebration was inaugurated by Principal Dr. Koel Roychowdhury along with HOD Mithun Pillai. Their presence underscored the strong institutional support behind Frames, reinforcing the festival’s mission of combining academics with creative exploration. Dr. Koel highlighted the philosophy that has long defined Frames, noting that creativity thrives when students lead with initiative and collaboration.

Her message reflected the festival’s growing reputation as a platform where young storytellers, technicians, and performers find their voice. Mithun Pillai built on this thought, reflecting on the deeper meaning of Kirdaar. He emphasised that every role, whether visible or behind the scenes, shapes the narrative of a film. The appreciation for unseen contributors set the thematic tone for this year’s festival.

‘Kirdaar’ Pays Tribute to Cinema’s Invisible Backbone

The 2025 theme carries a profound message. While the word Kirdaar commonly refers to characters on screen, Frames interprets it much more broadly. The term becomes a tribute to the countless individuals who work behind the camera—writers crafting stories, cinematographers framing worlds, editors shaping rhythm, sound engineers designing emotion, and technicians ensuring that every shot unfolds flawlessly.

Cinema is often defined by the faces audiences see, but its foundation rests equally on the hands and minds they do not. By choosing Kirdaar, Frames extends the spotlight to these unsung heroes, recognising that filmmaking thrives on collective effort. The theme encourages young artisans to appreciate not only the glamour of cinema but its labour, discipline, and craft.

Student-Led Flea Market Adds Colour and Creativity

Adding vibrancy to the pre-event, the festival inaugurated its student-driven Flea Market at 11:15 a.m. The initiative showcased entrepreneurial spirit and artistic innovation, as students transformed their creative skills into engaging stalls.

Participants included Zain’s Story Crochet Store, With Love Soundarya, Allure Nails, Odeon Skincare, Urban Chill, Pristine Perfume, and Inori Tarot Readings. Each stall brought a unique flavour to the marketplace, turning the college courtyard into a hub of colour, curiosity, and commerce. The steady footfall throughout the day reflected the enthusiasm with which students and visitors embraced the experience.

Musical Performances Elevate the Festival Atmosphere

Music emerged as one of the defining elements of the celebration. The performance by Mayur Raj Music captivated the audience with its experimental arrangements and textured reinterpretations of familiar tunes. The band’s ability to blend energy with emotion created an immersive experience, setting a dynamic pace for the afternoon.

The excitement grew further when the Freelancers Band took the stage. Comprising Yash Gaikwad on vocals, Amitabh Godane on keyboard, Prabhat Gaikar on guitar, and Yash Malusare on drums, the group delivered a lively set filled with romantic hits, trending numbers, and rock–pop–blues influences. Their rap segment and a heartfelt tribute to the late singer KK earned enthusiastic applause, highlighting the emotional connection between performers and audience.

Dance and Committee Address Bring the Event to a Stirring Close

The rhythm of the day reached its visual crescendo at 4:18 p.m. when a vibrant dance performance commanded the stage. The choreography, marked by precision and expressive storytelling, drew loud cheers and added a celebratory flourish to an already energetic event.

As the artistic performances concluded, the Frames core committee stepped forward to address the gathering. Their words of gratitude for the creative teams, dancers, performers, and volunteers reflected months of preparation and the shared commitment that makes Frames a defining student festival. The address served as a reminder that the festival’s strength lies not only in its programming but in the passion of the people who build it.
 

A Powerful Beginning to the Festival Season

With the unveiling of Kirdaar, the Frames Film Festival 2025 pre-event concluded on a deeply emotional and inspiring note. The theme, the performances, and the student-led initiatives all contributed to a day that celebrated collaboration, creativity, and cinematic identity. As anticipation builds for the main festival, Kirdaar stands as a resonant reminder that cinema is shaped by many roles, many people, and many stories—each one vital, each one deserving of recognition.
The energy of the pre-event has set a confident and vibrant foundation for the 23rd edition, promising a festival that honours both the art of filmmaking and the individuals who bring it to life.