The 2nd edition of the Indian Film Festival in Bratislava continues to introduce the richness and diversity of Indian cinema to Slovak audiences. This year, the festival focuses on the theme Women in Film—their creativity, strength, and unique perspectives on the world. Film enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of five films from March 25 to 27, 2026, at Kino Lumière and Kino Mladosť.
India is home to exceptionally strong and talented women in filmmaking—actresses, directors, screenwriters, producers, as well as storytellers whose work reflects social change, personal freedom, tradition, and contemporary reality. Their voices are becoming increasingly prominent and important in Indian cinema.
The festival presents a selection of films that tell diverse stories—about coming of age, courage, self-discovery, the power of female relationships, and the challenges women face in Indian society. Each film offers a different perspective, theme, and emotional experience, yet all are united by an authentic female point of view.
“Indian cinema is full of strong women who are able to tell stories with exceptional sensitivity and courage. I am pleased that Slovak audiences have the opportunity to discover these films and the talented women behind them,” said Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador of India to the Slovak Republic.
The festival is organized by the Embassy of India in Bratislava, in cooperation with ART FILM FEST s.r.o., the long-standing organizer of the Art Film Festival in Košice.
Queen, directed by Vikas Bahl / India, 2013
Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Haydon
March 25, 2026 │ 5:00 p.m. │ 146 min. │ Kino Lumière
When Rani, a 24-year-old woman from a conservative family in Delhi, is abandoned by her fiancé just days before the wedding, she makes a life-changing decision — she sets off alone on her already booked honeymoon to Europe. While traveling through Paris and Amsterdam, she meets people from different cultures, experiences things that were previously forbidden to her, and gradually discovers her own strength, freedom, and self-confidence. Queen is a sensitive, witty, and inspiring story about personal growth, independence, and the search for one’s own identity, praised by audiences and critics worldwide.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_HP8xgXhBU&t=3s
Mission Mangal, directed by Jagan Shakti / India, 2019
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Nithya Menon, Sharman Joshi, Sanjay Kapoor, Dalip Tahil, Vikram Gokhale
March 26, 2026 │ 4:00 p.m. │ 130 min. │ Kino Mladosť
Mission Mangal is a 2019 Indian drama film based on the true story of scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who contributed to India’s first interplanetary mission, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) — the mission that successfully reached Mars orbit on its first attempt and was one of the least expensive Mars missions ever undertaken.
The film follows a diverse team of scientists led by Rakesh Dhawan and Tara Shinde as they work together to overcome technical, financial, and societal challenges to launch the satellite to Mars. It highlights teamwork, perseverance, and innovation under pressure.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAKTAJH3rb4
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, directed by Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi and Kangana Ranaut / India, 2019
Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Jisshu Sengupta, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni, Richard Keep, Ankita Lokhande, Suresh Oberoi, Mishti
March 26, 2026 │ 6:30 p.m. │ 150 min. │ Kino Mladosť
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language epic historical action drama film based on the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, one of the most iconic figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The story follows Manikarnika (“Manu”), who after becoming queen and facing personal and political challenges, refuses to surrender her kingdom to the British and leads her people in armed resistance. The film highlights courage, leadership, patriotism, and the struggle for independence.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKmkMVaNu9g
Chak De! India, directed by Shimit Amin / India, 2007
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Sagarika Ghatge, Shilpa Shukla, Chitrashi Rawat, Arya Menon, Seema Azmi, Nisha Nair, Sandia Furtado, Shubhi Mehta, Tanya Abrol
March 27, 2026 │ 4:00 p.m. │ 153 min. │ Kino Mladosť
Chak De! India is an inspiring Indian sports drama about Kabir Khan, a former captain of the Indian men’s national field hockey team, who is unfairly blamed for a crushing loss and ostracized. Seven years later, he gets a chance to redeem himself by coaching the India women’s national field hockey team. The team is made up of talented players from different regions with personal and cultural differences, and Kabir must unite them to compete internationally, especially at the World Cup in Australia. The film explores teamwork, perseverance, overcoming prejudice, and national pride and has been praised for its storytelling, performances, and emotional impact.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a0-dSMWm5g
Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari / India, 2016
Starring: Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Sakshi Tanwar
March 27, 2026 │ 6:45 p.m. │ 161 min. │ Kino Mladosť
Dangal tells the true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former amateur wrestler in India, who defies gender stereotypes and trains his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become world-class wrestlers. The film explores themes of gender equality, determination, and family bonds. It showcases the struggles and triumphs of women in sports, highlighting both personal growth and societal change. Audiences and critics worldwide have praised the film for its performances, inspiring story, and realistic depiction of wrestling.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_7YlGv9u1g
