Top Films to watch at the JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023

It’s back! The JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is back after a three year break (paused due to the pandemic), and it gets bigger in 2023 with a special focus on South Asia. Once again, cinephiles will be busy chalking their respective schedules to ensure they don’t miss any of the best films that will be screened this year. The euphoria to register themselves, the crazy excitement hop from one venue to another and the fascinating conversations at workshops, exclusive events makes this festival one of the most important event in a cinephile’s calendar. Moreover, this year the event will be hosted across eight different venues, including the beautiful NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre).



The festival, which will be hosted from October 27 to November 5, will screen over 250 films from over 70 countries, filmed in various languages. And, here's the surprise - the gala will witness over 40 World premieres, 45 Asia premieres, 70 South Asia premieres and close to 13 interesting sections. Needless to say, there is a lot of planning required to ensure you catch up on the best films. So, in order to make your life a tad bit easy, we have listed some of the top films, which you can watch out for. Take out your diaries and jot down the list already!

Maestro

Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper

Directed by: Bradley Cooper

Based on the life of Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre; Maestro highlights Bernstein's work and professional life, while exploring the couple's journey and experiences through love, betrayal and music. Cooper portrays the legendary American conductor and composer. The film premiered on September 2 at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a long standing ovation, and then served as the spotlight gala film at at New York Film Festival.

The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan

Directed by: Hansal Mehta 

 The Buckingham Murders will be the opening night film at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023. The film promises to be Kapoor Khan’s best performance till date, and has enjoyed a successful world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival, with endless praise from critics. Kapoor Khan will be seen playing a cop and single mother.

Kennedy

Starring: Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone

Directed by: Anurag Kashyap 

Kennedy is a crime-drama highlighting the life of an ex-police officer, who secretly operates for the corrupt system. The film premiered at Cannes this year, and also received a standing ovation at the French film festival for its unpredictable story. 

Anatomy of a Fall

Starring: Sandra Hullër

Directed by: Justine Triet

A French courtroom drama focusing on the life of a writer, who is trying to prove her innocence in her husband's death; Anatomy of a Fall is one of the highlights at JIO MAMI, and has won the Palme’ D’Or, and other top prizes across film festivals.

Dream Scenario

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Lily Bird

Directed by: Kristoffer Borgil

A24's much awaited production 'Dream Scenario' promises to be a unique dark comedy. The film has won rave reviews for its intriguing and catchy sci-fi premise. Expect the unexpected with some fantastic twists and surprises.

Perfect Days

Starring: Koji Yakusho, Aoi Yamanda 

Directed by: Wim Winders

Touted to be 2023's most promising films, 'Perfect Days' is a German-Japanese joint production, and earned lead actor Koji Yakusho the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. Set in Tokyo, the film highlights a simple approach towards life by the central protagonist, who essays the role of a toilet cleaner.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka (The World is Family)

Directed by: Anand Patwardhan

The film premiered at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) and received acclaim. It promises to be one of Patwardhan's most personal films till date, focusing on his parents', their family history and documenting moments from the tumultuous period India's independence.

  struggle. 

Sultana's Dreams

Animated feature film

Directed by: Isabel Herguera

Herguera's much awaited debut feature film premiered at the 71st San Sebastián (Spain) and received acclaim, becoming the first animation feature directed by a woman to get selected. This unique and fascinating film is based on an Indian feminist tale written in1905 by Rokeya Hussain. 

Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 is just a day away. Follow us for all the updates from the best of Mumbai's most loved film festival. Don't miss live updates, exciting buzz and more, all week long on our Twitter | Snapchat | Facebook and Instagram page.

Love,

The Dancebee