On November 21, 2025, Hyderabad’s iconic Prasads IMAX lit up with vibrant energy as the Telangana-North East Connect Film Festival kicked off its two-day celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural unity. Telangana Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, who proudly hails from Tripura, graced the occasion as the chief guest and officially inaugurated the event. This groundbreaking festival, part of the larger Telangana-North East Connect Techno-Cultural initiative, brings together filmmakers, artists, and enthusiasts from Telangana and all eight North Eastern states to foster deeper collaborations in arts, storytelling, and beyond.
The Governor’s presence added a deeply personal touch to the inauguration. He not only cut the ribbon but also settled in with the audience for the opening screening of Yarwng (also known as Yarving), a National Award-winning masterpiece from Tripura directed by Father Joseph Puthenpura. This powerful film, rooted in the struggles and resilience of Tripura’s tribal communities, set the perfect tone for a festival dedicated to authentic regional narratives.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s Vision: Cinema as a Unifier for India’s Diverse Regions
In his inspiring inaugural address, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma emphasized that the Telangana-North East Connect Film Festival transcends mere entertainment. “This is not just a cultural exchange—it’s a robust platform for long-term partnerships in culture, healthcare, information technology, women’s empowerment, creative industries, and youth development,” he declared.
He highlighted the unique synergy between Telangana’s rapid technological and economic growth and the North East’s unparalleled cultural diversity. “The dynamism of Hyderabad, coupled with the rich heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, opens doors to mutual learning and innovation,” the Governor noted.
A particularly moving part of his speech focused on the universal power of cinema. Films, he said, effortlessly cross linguistic, geographic, and social barriers. Surprisingly, Telugu blockbusters enjoy massive popularity in remote North Eastern villages, often watched on mobile phones in tribal hamlets. This organic reach demonstrates how South Indian cinema builds emotional bridges and reinforces India’s national fabric under the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” vision.
Governor Varma praised the thriving film ecosystems in the North East, where directors from states like Manipur, Assam, and Tripura consistently earn National Awards for bold, authentic storytelling. He urged filmmakers from both regions to pursue co-productions, share technical expertise, and experiment with hybrid cinematic styles that blend Telugu grandeur with North Eastern subtlety.
A Curated Lineup Showcasing North East Indian Cinema and Telugu Gems
The festival features 12 carefully selected films, ensuring a balanced representation of regional voices. Eight acclaimed movies from the North East take center stage, alongside four celebrated Telugu productions supported by the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC).
Highlights from the North East include:
- Yarwng (Tripura): A poignant tale of displacement and roots, directed by Father Joseph.
- Tara – The Lost Star (Sikkim, Nepali language): An emotional journey of dreams and loss in the Himalayas.
- Kooki (Hindi, Manipur-inspired): A gripping story addressing social issues with raw intensity.
- Onaatah: Of the Earth (Khasi, Meghalaya): A beautiful exploration of womanhood and nature in Khasi hills.
- Eikhoigi Yum (Manipuri): National Award-winner delving into family and societal paradigms in Manipur.
- Anur (Assamese) or Boomba Ride (Mishing, Assam): Vibrant narratives from Assam’s diverse communities.
- Rador Pakhi (Assamese): Poetic storytelling capturing Assam’s riverside life.
Complementing these are standout Telugu films like Na Bangaru Talli, Pottel, Mallesham, and others that highlight social reform, innovation, and human triumph—themes that resonate deeply with North Eastern audiences.
This selection underscores a key goal: introducing Hyderabad’s cinephiles to the hidden gems of North East Indian cinema 2025, while reminding North Eastern delegates of Tollywood’s global appeal.
Key Dignitaries and the Role of TGFDC in Cultural Exchange
The event drew prominent figures, including Telangana Ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy (Roads, Buildings, and Cinematography) and Vakiti Srihari (Sports and Youth Services), TGFDC Chairman Dil Raju, senior officials, and delegates from every North Eastern state.
Ch. Priyanka Varkala, Commissioner of Information & Public Relations and Managing Director of TGFDC, delivered a warm welcome address. She explained how the festival aligns with the broader Telangana-North East Connect initiative, launched under Raj Bhavan’s patronage to strengthen “people-to-people” ties.
Governor Varma also inaugurated a dedicated Media Centre, felicitated visiting filmmakers, and interacted with the press, stressing the need for sustained cultural dialogues.
Why the Telangana-North East Connect Matters in 2025
India’s North East, often called the “Seven Sisters” plus Sikkim, boasts over 200 ethnic groups, stunning biodiversity, and a youthful population brimming with creativity. Yet, mainstream Indian cinema has historically underrepresented these stories. Events like this festival change that narrative.
Telangana, with Hyderabad emerging as a global IT and film hub (home to Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio complex), offers the perfect partner. The state’s progressive policies under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy—including plans for a dedicated North East Connect Centre in the upcoming Future City—signal long-term commitment.
This collaboration extends beyond films. Parallel sessions in the larger techno-cultural festival cover healthcare innovations, startup ecosystems (T-Hub meeting North Eastern entrepreneurs), women’s self-help groups showcasing handicrafts, and youth sports exchanges.
The Power of Regional Cinema in Building National Unity
Cinema has always been India’s soft power superpower. From Satyajit Ray’s Bengal to Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Kerala, regional films preserve languages and traditions while touching universal hearts.
North Eastern cinema, though young, punches above its weight. Manipuri films like Ishanou and Eikhoigi Yum have stunned international festivals. Assamese directors like Rima Das (Village Rockstars) put India on the Oscars shortlist. Tripura’s Yarwng tackles environmental displacement with rare sensitivity.
Meanwhile, Telugu cinema’s mass appeal—think Baahubali’s pan-Indian triumph—proves commercial success and cultural depth can coexist. Imagine co-productions: a Tollywood blockbuster shot in Arunachal’s lush valleys or a Manipuri script helmed by a Hyderabad director.
The Telangana-North East Connect Film Festival plants these seeds. Attendees leave not just entertained but inspired to collaborate.
What Attendees and Filmmakers Are Saying
Delegates from the North East expressed excitement about screening in Hyderabad’s state-of-the-art IMAX. “For the first time, our Khasi film Onaatah reaches such a large South Indian audience,” shared a Meghalaya filmmaker. Telugu directors, in turn, marveled at the raw authenticity of North Eastern stories.
Industry veteran Dil Raju called it “a historic step toward a truly inclusive Indian cinema.”
Looking Ahead: More Collaborations on the Horizon
As the festival continues on November 22 with back-to-back screenings and panel discussions, momentum builds for future editions. Plans already float for joint film funds, location scouting in the North East for Telugu projects, and student exchanges between Hyderabad’s film schools and Imphal’s cinema institutes.
In Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s words: “Let us carry these stories back home, forge partnerships, and contribute to a stronger, more united India.”
The Telangana-North East Connect Film Festival 2025 isn’t just an event—it’s the beginning of a beautiful cinematic friendship that celebrates India’s diversity while scripting a shared future.
Whether you’re a film buff searching for best North East Indian films 2025, exploring Telugu cinema cultural impact, or interested in India regional film festivals, this Hyderabad extravaganza proves that great stories know no boundaries.
