The Marathi film Gondhal was screened at BAFTA in London on November 5, 2026, and Everyman Cinema, St John’s, in Manchester on November 6, bringing together diplomats, filmmakers and members of the Indian diaspora, according to a statement from the organizers.
The screenings were held in association with the High Commission of India in London and the Consulate General of India in Manchester. Organizers said the events aimed to introduce regional Indian cinema to British audiences and support cultural exchanges between India and the United Kingdom.
Tongues on Fire, the organization behind the UK Asian Film Festival, presented the London screening in partnership with the High Commission. Rahul Kale and Adhish Desai coordinated the film’s promotion in the United Kingdom.
The London program opened with remarks by Dr. Pushpinder, a trustee of Tongues on Fire and director of the UK Asian Film Festival, followed by Saloni Sahai, first secretary for press and public diplomacy at the High Commission.
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Toyeba Mushtaq, head of the festival’s curatorial team, introduced the film and discussed the importance of providing international platforms for regional Indian filmmaking, the statement said.
After the screening, lead actor Yogesh Sohoni and Desai, representing Cocktail Studios, participated in a question-and-answer session moderated by film critic Mike McCahill. The discussion explored the film’s development and creative approach. Kale delivered the closing remarks.
“The event reflected the shared vision of Tongues on Fire and the High Commission of India, London, to strengthen cultural connections between India and the United Kingdom through the power of cinema,” Mushtaq said.
Sahai described the screening as an opportunity to showcase South Asian storytelling and encourage dialogue through film. Kale said presenting films in regional Indian languages could broaden international awareness of the country’s filmmaking traditions.
The Manchester screening was attended by Vidhisha Yadhuvanshi, consul general of India in Manchester, along with Sohoni, Kale, Desai and representatives of the Indian diaspora in northern England.
Held during the Diwali season, the event was followed by a reception at TYGA Restaurant for guests of the consulate, according to the statement.
“The Manchester presentation of Gondhal, following its London screening, represented a further opportunity to connect audiences with Indian cinema and its rich cultural traditions,” Yadhuvanshi said.
Ani Kaprekar, who helped facilitate the Manchester event, said the screening underscored the role of cultural programs in connecting communities through storytelling.
According to the statement, Gondhal explores contemporary society, identity and culture through Marathi storytelling. Organizers presented the two screenings as part of an effort to expand access to regional Indian films in the United Kingdom.
The London program concluded with a vote of thanks from Kale, who acknowledged the organizers, institutional partners, filmmakers and supporters, according to the statement. In Manchester, Ani Kaprekar, who helped facilitate the screening, highlighted the role of cultural initiatives in bringing communities together through storytelling.
