The 13th edition of the Jagran Film Festival (JFF) — the world’s largest traveling film festival — will conclude with a grand finale in Mumbai from November 13–16, 2025, at Cinépolis, Fun Republic Mall, Andheri West.
The Mumbai edition will open with the Asia Premiere of Minimum on November 13, followed by a compelling panel discussion with Rumana Molla, Saba Azad, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Namit Das delving into the film’s themes of identity and belonging. Minimum explores the nuances of migration, identity, and self-discovery through a deeply personal lens, portraying the silent struggles of women caught between cultures and expectations.
For over thirteen years, JFF has championed the democratization of cinema, evolving into a cultural movement that celebrates storytelling and connects audiences across India. With its authentic performances and evocative narrative, Minimum is a moving reflection on what it means to find home and self in an unfamiliar world.
Speaking about bringing the film to JFF, Naseeruddin Shah said, “Minimum is, to me, a profoundly human story, one that speaks to the quiet dislocation so many people experience in a world that is constantly in flux. It reflects on identity, belonging, and the invisible borders we carry within ourselves. What moved me most is its simplicity, the way it conveys truth without ornamentation or sentimentality. I believe festivals like Jagran are essential because they remind us that cinema is not just entertainment; it is a mirror held up to our shared humanity, inviting empathy, reflection, and dialogue.”
“At its core, Minimum is a story about finding your place in a world that often feels unwelcoming,” Saba Azad said. “It’s about the quiet courage it takes to navigate identity, belonging, and the choices that define us. Being a part of a film that treats such truths with honesty has been deeply rewarding. I’m excited to share it at the Jagran Film Festival, where audiences embrace cinema that lingers long after the credits roll and sparks meaningful conversation.”
Continuing the conversation, Geetanjali Kulkarni reflected on her experience with the film: “Minimum is a film that quietly examines the spaces we inhabit, both physical and emotional, and the invisible boundaries that shape our lives. It explores the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, between who we are and who we wish to become. Being part of this story has been a profoundly moving experience, and I’m delighted to present it at the Jagran Film Festival, where cinema that values honesty and reflection finds an audience ready to engage deeply.”
Expressing her excitement about Minimum’s Asia premiere at the Jagran Film Festival, actor/director Rumana Molla said, “This film has always been close to my heart. It’s about women, identity, and the quiet battles we fight to define ourselves. It’s a story of belonging and rediscovery, told with tenderness and truth. To have it premiere at the Jagran Film Festival, that celebrates authentic voices and meaningful cinema is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.”
Marking the film’s Asia premiere at the Jagran Film Festival, Namit Das shared, “Playing Ali in Minimum allowed me to step into the silences between people — the unspoken emotions that define us. The film reflects the beauty and ache of displacement, and how connection can emerge in the most unexpected spaces. It’s fitting that it premieres at Jagran, a festival that honours cinema with heart and honesty.”
Minimum is produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films, India’s leading independent film studio, along with Radhika Lavu of Ellanar Films.
The screening promises to be one of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s festival—an afternoon where art, ideas, and dialogue come together to celebrate the evolving landscape of storytelling.
This year’s Mumbai edition of the Jagran Film Festival will also showcase a remarkable selection of premieres including Dwidha (Dilemma); Baraat; ReSolution; Brown; Sudhagad 07; Eighth Hill – A Sacred Revolution: Tirupati’s Dream without Plastic; Coded Heart; A Stroke of Hope; Chayachitram; Rajni Ki Baraat; Mayasabha; Chitrokotha; Under The Open Sky; Paro – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery; Liar; Minimum; Testimony of Disappointment; Abeer; Boondi Raita (Aryabhatt Ka Zero); Kok Kok Kokoook; Reliefs; 100 Litres of Gold; Chewing Gum; Luqman and Jinnat; Omlo; Ghost Nets; Turba; Mercy; Romancing Sydney; Astronaut and The Alter Echo.
