Bhavana extends wishes to all women fighting against crises in life; Bhavana is Kerala's role model, says minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actress Bhavana appeared as a special guest at the inaugural function of the International Film Festival of Kerala. Although Bhavana's name was on the list of guests released by the organizing committee earlier, the audience received a pleasant surprise upon finding that the actress was a special guest for the inaugural ceremony. It was Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith who welcomed Bhavana to the stage. He addressed Bhavana as the ‘female symbol of struggle’.

The audience greeted the actress with a standing ovation as she reached the stage. During her speech, Bhavana extended her wishes to all the women fighting against crises in life.

"I am very happy to be a part of the '26th International Film Festival of Kerala. Special thanks to Ranjith Sir and Beena Chechi for inviting me to the stage. All the best to those who make good movies, to all those who enjoy good movies, and to all the women who fight like Lisa,'' Bhavana said.

Minister Saji Cheriyan described Bhavana as a role model of Kerala. The inaugural function of the 26th edition of IFFK was held at a grand venue at the Nishagandhi auditorium. Minister Saji Cheriyan presided over the function inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

As many as 173 films from across the globe will be screened at the film festival. Films will be screened in various categories such as International Competition, World Cinema, Retrospectives of major filmmakers, Indian Cinema Now and Malayalam Cinema Today.