Indian Film Festival of Melbourne to Honour 100 Years of Guru Dutt With Special Screenings

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the biggest Indian film festival outside of India, is set to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest pioneers of Hindi cinema, the legendary Guru Dutt, on his birth centenary. As part of its 2025 edition, IFFM will host special screenings of two of his most iconic masterpieces, Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool.

Guru Dutt, whose visionary storytelling and deeply human narratives forever changed the language of Indian cinema, continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide. His films, marked by poetic intensity, aesthetic brilliance, and social relevance, remain timeless in their appeal and artistic impact. With this homage, IFFM aims to celebrate not just the man, but the legacy of a true auteur who gave Indian cinema some of its most memorable moments.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, “Guru Dutt was far ahead of his time, both in terms of cinematic technique and the emotional depth of his narratives. His films like Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool are not just classics, they are cultural treasures that speak to the soul of Indian cinema. At IFFM, we believe it is essential to honour those who shaped our cinematic heritage. This tribute is our humble way of remembering his genius and introducing his timeless work to new global audiences.”

The screenings will be part of a curated retrospective celebrating Indian cinema’s golden age and its enduring influence. Audiences in Melbourne will get a rare opportunity to experience the visual poetry of Guru Dutt’s work on the big screen, a fitting tribute to a man who saw cinema not merely as entertainment, but as a form of profound artistic expression.

The actor and filmmaker born on July 9, 1925, was one of Hindi cinema’s finest auteurs. His films, including Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Mr. & Mrs. ‘55, among others, continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Dutt tragically died in October 1964.

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