Gracing the inauguration event were the illustrious Karan Johar,  heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, the charismatic Mrunal Thakur, and the dynamic Vijay Varma

The festival's Founder and Director, Mitu Bhowmik Lange, radiated enthusiasm as she welcomed the distinguished guests, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the industry and the festival itself. With the support of the Victorian Government and the backing of Indian film aficionados, IFFM has emerged as a global platform that fosters cultural exchange and appreciation of cinema

Members of the Indian film fraternity at IFFM Inauguration ceremony

As the curtains rise on the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, audiences can expect a captivating cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and showcases the magic of Indian storytelling

Filmmaker Karan Johar who is basking in the success of 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' spoke at the curtain raiser of IFFM and also gave a speech at the inauguration

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) kicked off from 11th August and will go on till 20th August this year

Karan johar said at the event, “This is my third time at IFFM. And I’m so grateful to the warmth and grace of the festival and everyone involved with it. I’m here joined by many fellow of the Indian film fraternity and I’m honoured to be amongst such impeccable talent. We have such iconic filmmakers and actors like the team of Sita Raman, a movie I have loved, Vijay Varma who can practically do any role given to him. Or Kartik, who has given us films that resonate with the entire country and has given films that brought people back to the theatres”

Kartik said, “I’m so overwhelmed to be in Australia and I’m thankful to Mitu and to IFFM for inviting me here. The love from the Indian community has been both surprising and overwhelming. Never thought there would be so much love and fanfare for Indian cinema in Australia”

Mrunal added, "When I came to IFFM with Love Sonia, I didn’t have any plans or idea where my career would go. But I met Nikkhil Advani sir here in Melbourne who then offered me Batla House and even my producers of Sita Raman, I met in Melbourne. So this festival holds a very special place in my heart. I always love coming back here”

Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar posed together at the inauguration. Earlier there were reports that all was not well between the two after the actor was removed from 'Dostana 2'

Vijay Varma and Mrunal Thakur look their best at the inauguration ceremony of the prestigious film festival honouring the legancy of Indian cinema

Joining the celebration were luminaries from the Indian film industry, including the talented and visionary directors such as Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Kanu Behl, and Prithivi Konanur

Rani Mukerji in conversation with Rajeev Masand

Kartik Aaryan in conversation with Rajeev Masand

Karan Johar and Mrunal Thakur snapped during a candid conversation post the inauguration ceremony

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh caught in a candid moment at the IFFM inauguration panel