The much-anticipated pre-event celebration of the Frames Film Festival 2025 commenced with vibrance and energy, setting the tone for the festival’s main event. The inauguration of the Flea Market, located near the canteen area, took place at 11:15 a.m., with Principal Dr Koel Roychowdhury and HOD Mithun Sir in attendance to cut the ribbon. The event was organised by the BAMMC students of SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Nerul, showcasing their talent in event management and cultural curation.

The Flea Market featured an array of creative stalls, including Zain’s Story Crochet Store, With Love Soundarya (Jewellery), Allure Nails, Odeon Skincare, Urban Chill (Food), Pristine (Perfume), and Inori (Tarot Card). The colourful and bustling marketplace attracted festival-goers, adding a lively charm to the occasion.

A highlight of the day was the performance by As 1 performance MAYUR RAJ, which captivated the audience with their distinctive musical identity and innovative arrangements. The band invites listeners to “step into a world where music is a canvas for exploration.” They describe themselves as a group of dedicated musicians who reshape familiar songs in their own unique style, experimenting with textures, harmonies, and rhythms to create performances that are both authentic and immersive.

The music’s performance was a seamless blend of energy, emotion, and creativity, with every note carefully crafted to surprise and delight. Known for their ability to transform well-known melodies into fresh, unforgettable renditions, they engaged the crowd with infectious enthusiasm and stage presence. Their shows are celebrated for creating moments where the audience truly connects with the music, often describing it as an experience of pure joy and exhilaration. Each member’s individual talent shines, yet together they create a sound that is dynamic, cohesive, and truly immersive, leaving the audience inspired and energised.

The momentum continued with the As 1 performance THE FREELANCERS Band, a powerhouse four-piece ensemble comprising Yash Gaikwad (Singer), Amitabh Godane (Keyboardist), Prabhat Gaikar (Guitarist), and Yash Malusare (drummer). They began with a romantic melody that immediately drew students to sing along, setting a lively and interactive atmosphere. The seamless blend of instruments and vocals created a beautiful harmony, with the guitarist singing expressively, keeping the crowd engaged, and even performing one of Bollywood legend KK’s songs, which hyped the audience.

The rap segment in one of their songs impressed everyone, while the drummer, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar provided dynamic instrumentation, with the drummer delivering excellent pop beats. Performing in-trend songs with a mix of rock, pop, and blues influences, Freelancers delivered a high-energy show that balanced nostalgia with contemporary hits, keeping the audience vibing from start to finish.

At 4:18 p.m., the Frames members took the stage for a dance performance that left the crowd awestruck. The performers exhibited artistic precision, with each move executed flawlessly and each expression perfectly aligned with the rhythm. Their choreography was majestic and mind-blowing, capturing the audience’s attention from beginning to end. Every aspect of the performance was visually captivating, and their insane dance moves ensured that no one could look away.

Following the performances, the core members of the Frames Film Festival addressed the audience. They spoke about the immense effort and preparation that had gone into the much-awaited theme release. Their words reflected the dedication of the entire team as they shared their excitement for what was to come. The core members expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the dancers who performed, as well as the creative team, whose hard work in designing props added charm to the event.

Finally, the moment the crowd had been waiting for arrived. As the banner dramatically dropped, the theme for the 2025–26 edition of the Frames Film Festival was revealed: “Kirdaar”.

Meaning of the Theme: “Kirdaar”

This year, for the 23rd edition of the Frames Film Festival, the Frames team has chosen the theme word “Kirdaar”. The theme signifies the true meaning of a role, not only the characters the audience sees on screen, but also the countless creative forces who shape every moment behind it. While viewers often recognise the actors and producers, the real soul of cinema is crafted by those who work silently off-screen.

Through “Kirdaar”, Frames aims to spotlight these essential yet often overlooked contributors: the writers who imagine worlds, the cinematographers who capture emotion, the editors who shape narratives, and the technicians whose skills hold the entire film together. Each of them carries a unique “Kirdaar” that is vital to the creation of meaningful cinema.

The 23rd edition of Frames seeks to honour the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, reminding us that every frame is the result of collective dedication, creativity, and craft. Every role, seen or unseen, matters equally in bringing a story to life.

The audience erupted in cheers, marking a grand and emotional conclusion to the pre-event celebration.