Lucknow International Film Festival and Shubh Sangam Announced in Grand Style

Lucknow, often called the City of Nawabs, is about to turn into a cinematic hub with the announcement of the Lucknow International Film Festival — a brand-new celebration of cinema, art, and storytelling. The festival, conceptualized and founded by Ayub Khan, will take place from December 2 to 4, 2025, at PVR Cinema, Saharaganj, Lucknow. The event promises to bring together filmmakers, artists, critics, and cinephiles under one roof, creating a cultural dialogue around Indian and global cinema.

Ayub Khan, the driving force behind this initiative, spoke passionately about the vision for the festival. He said Lucknow’s love for cinema is timeless, and this festival will give artists, filmmakers, and audiences a chance to celebrate that love in its purest form. He also shared that celebrated names like Rakesh Bedi, Soham P. Shah, and B.N. Tiwari (President of the Film Federation of India) are supporting this initiative, making the festival a collaborative and prestigious affair.

Alongside the festival announcement, Ayub Khan revealed his next big project — a Hindi feature film titled Shubh Sangam. The film will be shot entirely across Uttar Pradesh and is scheduled to begin production in November 2025. The dual announcement created an air of excitement, signaling that this December will mark a new chapter for Lucknow’s cultural and cinematic identity.

Film director and jury member Soham P. Shah expressed his admiration for the effort, pointing out that such festivals inspire new voices in cinema. He emphasized that the state of Uttar Pradesh is brimming with talented writers, directors, and actors who deserve a platform to shine, and the Lucknow International Film Festival aims to give them just that.

Pahlaj Nihlani, who has joined the festival’s board of directors, called this launch a proud moment. He described Ayub Khan as a passionate visionary determined to create meaningful cinema and opportunities for the creative community. He urged everyone to support this festival and the film Shubh Sangam, believing that both will add immense value to India’s cultural landscape.

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, who is set to serve as a jury member and also act in Shubh Sangam, spoke warmly about his association with Ayub Khan. He shared that he has previously worked with Khan on the CineDreams International Film Festival in Mumbai and the film Be-Lagaam. According to him, Ayub Khan is not just a talented writer and director but also a man of integrity and a wonderful collaborator. His presence in Shubh Sangam adds to the anticipation around the project.

With the festival and film launch happening together, Lucknow is poised to witness a cultural extravaganza unlike anything before. The festival will not just screen films but also foster discussions, networking, and creative collaborations, breathing fresh energy into the city’s arts scene. For cinema lovers and industry professionals alike, this December will be a moment to remember.