Fashion icon-turned-producer Manish Malhotra is celebrating a major milestone as his two upcoming films, Bun Tikki and Saali Mohabbat, have been officially selected for the prestigious 16th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) 2025. Malhotra shared the exciting news on social media, unveiling the film posters and expressing his pride in the selection. Both films are set to make a significant impact at the festival, which celebrates the best of South Asian cinema.
Saali Mohabbat, directed by actor Tisca Chopra in her directorial debut, will be the Opening Night film at CSAFF 2025. A hard-hitting drama that addresses issues like domestic violence and emotional betrayal, the film explores the journey of a woman reclaiming her voice in the socio-cultural landscape of rural and urban India. The film stars Radhika Apte, Divyenndu, Sharat Saxena, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Anurag Kashyap, and is produced by Malhotra along with Jyoti Deshpande and Dinesh Malhotra.
Bun Tikki, Malhotra's second offering at the festival, is a soulful coming-of-age story that delves into family, love, and personal identity. Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, the film stars veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman, alongside Abhay Deol, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and newcomer Rohaan Singh. The film, which explores deep emotional themes, will also have its world premiere at the Palm Springs Festival 2025.
In addition to these two films, Malhotra is also producing Gustaakh Ishq - Kucch Pehle Jaisa, a film starring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Sheikh, slated for release in November 2025. This film marks his debut as a film producer, further cementing his multifaceted role in the world of cinema.
The selection of Bun Tikki and Saali Mohabbat for CSAFF 2025 is a significant achievement for Manish Malhotra as a producer and a major step forward in the international recognition of Indian cinema. Fans and industry insiders are eager to see how these films are received at the festival.
