Kabir Khan is one of India's most distinguished filmmakers, having created several commercially and critically acclaimed films over his 25-year career. He began his career as a documentary filmmaker, earning recognition for his work on "The Forgotten Army" (1999). His debut feature directorial film "Kabul Express" won him the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director. Since his first films, he has been celebrated for his skill in blending compelling narratives with socio-political themes.
His next venture, "New York" (2009), a drama exploring the lives of Muslims in post-9/11 America, was both a commercial and critical success. It garnered him a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director and was praised for its sensitive portrayal of its subject matter.
Khan's career reached new heights with the blockbuster "Ek Tha Tiger" (2012), becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films at the time. "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" (2015), a heartwarming tale of a man's journey to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family, won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, along with numerous other accolades. To date, it remains India's eighth highest-grossing film of all time.
In 2015, Khan directed "Phantom," followed by "Tubelight" (2017), "83" (2021) and most recently, "Chandu Champion" (2024) starring Kartik Aaryan. Khan also directed one of the feature films for the opening night of IFFM 2024, titled 'My Melbourne', which highlights Khan's ability to craft emotionally resonant stories but also underscores his impact on global cinema. His work has significantly contributed to contemporary Indian cinema, making him one of the most respected and influential filmmakers in the industry.
We are thrilled to welcome him at IFFM 2024!