The second edition of the Red Lorry Film Festival 2026 is set to take place from March 13 to 15 in Mumbai, showcasing a diverse lineup of films that includes the highly anticipated Angelina Jolie Couture Premiere. This event promises a unique opportunity for audiences to experience exclusive screenings of both Indian and international movies before they hit global markets.
Highlighting Key Film Premieres and Notable Screenings
The festival will feature the India premiere of the film Bayaan, starring Huma Qureshi, who portrays a rookie police officer investigating a cult leader accused of sexual crimes in Rajasthan. Bayaan previously appeared at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival alongside films like Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound and Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar, which stars Bobby Deol. Produced by Shiladitya Bora, Bayaan is part of an eclectic selection representing strong storytelling and bold themes.
Shiladitya Bora’s Marathi film, Toh Ti Ani Fuji, will also be screened and is directed by Mohit Takalkar, who recently gained acclaim for his role as Rasheed in Kennedy. This film, featuring Lalit Prabhakar and Mrinmayee Godbole, stands out for its extensive shooting in Japan, adding an international flavor to the festival’s offerings.
Among the international premieres, audiences will gain early access to Angelina Jolie’s Couture and Wardriver, a thriller starring Dane DeHaan and Sasha Calle. These films have yet to be released widely, making the festival a rare platform to view them first in India.
International Films Bringing Global Diversity
In addition to Indian entries, the festival will present several international titles that have not been released theatrically in India. These include Is This Thing On, starring Bradley Cooper; Rental Family, featuring Brendan Fraser and Takehiro Hira; and The Testament of Ann Lee with Amanda Seyfried. This selection underscores the festival’s intent to broaden the cinematic scope available to Indian audiences.
The festival also shines a spotlight on globally recognized non-English films. Norway’s Sentimental Value, with nine Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and major acting categories, will be screened. The Oscar-nominated Spanish film Sirāt is also on the roster. Korean cinema fans will find interest in the black comedy No Other Choice, which, despite missing out on the final Academy Awards shortlist, maintains popularity because of enthusiastic word of mouth.
Tributes to Indian Classics and Cinema Legends
Red Lorry Film Festival 2026 pays homage to Indian cinema milestones by screening celebrated classics like Rang De Basanti, which marked its 20th anniversary this January, and Gadar, soon to celebrate 25 years. The work of filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma will be honored through showings of his notable films Bhoot and Shiva. Additionally, Dharmendra’s performance will be remembered with the screening of Satyakam, while the timeless charm of Madhubala will be showcased in Barsaat Ki Raat.
The Marathi romcom Mumbai Pune Mumbai will also feature, appealing to regional cinema enthusiasts. A special retrospective dedicated to filmmaker Pradip Krishen includes three of his films: the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, Electric Moon, and Massey Sahib. This retrospective enriches the festival’s landscape by revisiting significant contributions to Indian cinema’s history.
Hollywood classics such as Memento, Roman Holiday, The Sound of Music, When Harry Met Sally, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Jaws, and Léon: The Professional will be screened, providing a broad spectrum of cinematic styles and genres. From South Korea, three iconic films—A Tale of Two Sisters, I Saw The Devil, and Old Boy—are included, amplifying the festival’s international appeal.
Engagements with Filmmakers and Cast Members
The festival will also offer audiences the chance to meet and interact with many actors and filmmakers. Ram Gopal Varma is expected to attend his Bhoot screening and share insights on his filmmaking experiences. Raghubir Yadav will be present for Massey Sahib, and Pradip Krishen will participate in the In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones screening. The casts and crews of Bayaan and Toh Ti Ani Fuji will be available for premieres, enhancing the connection between filmmakers and their audience.
Fans of Mumbai Pune Mumbai will get to meet its prominent stars Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve, while Sriram Raghavan will present the Flemish thriller Night Creatures, adding a layer of international interaction and excitement to the festival.
Awaiting the Announcement of Opening and Closing Films
The organizers of Red Lorry Film Festival 2026 have yet to reveal which films will serve as the event’s opening and closing selections, a choice that will likely set the tone and provide a memorable bookend to this eagerly awaited festival. The decision is keenly anticipated by audiences and industry members alike, eager to discover which Indian or international title will headline the event.
