The festival concludes today but carries on during the day with seminars and masterclasses as well as more film screenings. The closing movie is Prakash Jha’s film Gangaajal at 6.35pm, followed by dinner at Monsoon restaurant, which is included in the ticket price. So book your seats now!
Before that at 4.20pm, there is a screening of Mangal Pandey, the 2005 movie based on the life of Mangal Pandey, an Indian soldier who is famous for his role in the Indian rebellion of 1857. The movie stars Aamir Khan as the eponymous Mangal Pandey.
Pandey was a soldier of Indian origin in the army of the East India Company. He saves the life of his British commanding officer, William Gordon, played by Toby Stephens and a strong friendship develops between them, notwithstanding their differences in rank and race.
Gordon and Pandey’s friendship is challenged following the introduction of a new rifle, the cartridges of which were rumoured to be greased with either pig fat or beef tallow. This was an insulting idea to Muslim and Hindu soldiers, respectively, for religious reasons. British military drills of the time required soldiers to bite open the cartridge but the idea of having anything which might be contaminated with pig or beef fat in their mouths was unacceptable to the soldiers of both religions.
Gordon investigates, and is told to assure Pandey that the cartridges are free from pollution. Demonstrating his total trust in Gordon, Mangal bites the cartridge. But Pandey soon discovers that the cartridges really are greased by animal fat. The rumour of this insult is the spark that ignites the powder keg of resentment in the country. Mutiny breaks out, led by Pandey.
The two friends find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict, which ultimately leads to a nationwide revolt against British rule.
A powerful historical epic with a great cast, Mangal Pandey is not to be missed.
Indian Film Festival of Ireland 