November 21, 2013 - 13:25 AMT
Dubai Film Fest unveils "Celebration of India" sidebar

Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout, Madhureeta Anand’s Kajarya and Suman Mukhopadhyay's adaptation of Tagore’s novel The Last Poem (Shesher Kobita) are among the films that will screen as part of a "Celebration of India" sidebar during the Dubai International Film Festival, organizers announced on Wednesday, November 20, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kumar's film is a dark cop thriller that explores the impact that one man's choices make on the lives of others. The movie's ensemble cast includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Viray Varma, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Neeraj Kabi.

Indie filmmaker and writer Anand’s Kajarya details the struggles women in India face today. Considered a landmark in Bengali literature, Mukhopadhyay's adaptation of The Last Poem recounts the love story of an Oxford-educated lawyer who falls in love with a strong-willed Indian woman.

Nashen Moodley, director of the festival's Asia and Africa program, said the films have been selected "to entertain, inform and possibly even shock DIFF audiences."

Also unspooling will be The Voiding Soul (Swapaanam), a Malayalam-language film directed by Shaji N. Karun that explores a budding romance about a couple whose love is ignited by their passion for the Chenda, a percussion instrument, and Mohiniattam, a classical dance form. This year's Emirati festival will also mark its 10th anniversary with a concert by Middle Eastern music superstar Amr Diab, organizers said.

Rolling Stone Middle East and Lucid Events will host the concert in downtown Dubai on Dec. 6 with live bands and a live link-up to all the red carpet action from the opening night of the DIFF. Diab will take to the stage at Burj Park against the spectacular backdrop of Burj Khalifa to perform his latest and greatest hits

"I’m thrilled to be a part of DIFF’s 10th anniversary, and I’m really looking forward to performing to the audiences in Dubai to celebrate this landmark event," the pop star said.

The 10th edition of DIFF runs Dec. 6-14.