Ambassador’s Speech for the Inaugural Ceremony of the 10th Indian Film Festival
February 27, 2026

Excellencies, Distinguished Chief Guest, Guests of Honor, Friends of India, and fellow cinema lovers,

Jó estét kívánok! Namaste!

It is a profound privilege to welcome you all to the Metropolis Hall of the historic Puskin Cinema for the inauguration of the 10th Indian Film Festival.

As we gather here in the heart of Budapest, we are not merely opening a film festival; we are celebrating a decade of cinematic dialogue between two nations bound by deep historical and cultural ties.

It is particularly fitting that we are hosted today by the Puskin Cinema. This institution is not just a venue; it is a monument to the art of storytelling. With a history spanning over a century, and as the site where Hungary’s first sound film was screened in 1929, the Puskin stands as a cathedral of culture.

Its Art Deco grandeur and its resilience through history mirror the very spirit of cinema itself—timeless, evolving, and always magical. There could be no better home for the vibrant colours and emotions of Indian cinema than this architectural jewel of Budapest.

The relationship between India and Hungary is one of rare warmth and intellectual resonance. It is a bond woven not just through diplomacy, but through the shared threads of art, philosophy, and heritage. We see this connection in the brushstrokes of Amrita Sher-Gil, whose dual heritage remains the most beautiful symbol of our union.

We see it in the Hungarian openness to the Indian cultural stream—whether it is the rigorous discipline of Yoga, the healing wisdom of Ayurveda, or the zest of Indian cuisine.

Tonight, we celebrate another powerful medium of this connection: Cinema. Movies are perhaps the most accessible bridge between cultures. They transport us across borders without a visa, allowing us to inhabit the joys, sorrows, and dreams of people thousands of miles away.

When the world thinks of Indian cinema, it often thinks of "Bollywood." But as the Ambassador of a country that is a continent in itself, I am proud to share that our film industry is as diverse as our people. India creates the largest number of films in the world, a staggering output that is matched only by its artistic depth.

This festival has been curated to showcase this kaleidoscope. We are highlighting the immense power of our regional streams. We open tonight with RRR, a Telugu masterpiece that stormed the Oscars and united the world in dance. Over the next few days, you will witness the grace of Gujarati cinema in Hellaro, a National Award winner that speaks to the spirit of women.

These films are a reflection of the New India. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is witnessing tremendous growth and transformation. We are a nation on the move—confident, aspirational, and innovative. This energy is palpable in our storytelling.

The films selected for this festival reflect the multifacetedness of this changing nation. In 12th Fail, you will see the grit and determination of our youth. In The Kashmir Files, you will encounter raw, hard-hitting realism.

In Chhaava, we revisit our glorious history of valor, and in Raksha Bandhan, we celebrate the tender social fabric of our families. These stories do not just entertain; they mirror a society that is ancient yet modern, diverse yet unified.

I must also acknowledge that the love for cinema flows both ways. Budapest has emerged as a favored destination for Indian filmmakers, who are drawn to its stunning architecture and scenic beauty. From the iconic scenes of Raabta on the Chain Bridge to the more recent, Jewel Thief, this city has provided the canvas for some of our most beloved stories. Every Indian movie shot here takes a piece of Budapest back to the hearts of millions of Indians, further cementing our bond.

I am delighted to share that the response to this 10th edition has been nothing short of phenomenal. The advance bookings—which opened earlier this month—have shown us that the Hungarian appetite for Indian stories is stronger than ever.

I would like to conclude by expressing my deepest gratitude to those who made this possible. My sincere thanks to the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs for their unwavering support. I thank the filmmakers and actors who have graciously shared their rights to screen these masterpieces.

A special vote of thanks to the management and staff of Puskin Cinema for their hospitality and technical excellence. I also thank our media partners for carrying our message to the people. To my team at the Embassy and the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre—thank you for your hard work in bringing this festival to life.

And finally, to our Chief Guest, our Guests of Honor, and to you, the audience—thank you for your presence. You are the reason we tell these stories.

I invite you now to sit back, relax, and let the magic of Indian cinema take over.