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May 26, 2026 1:08pm IST

Pride Film Festival Returns With ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Rocketman’ and Marathi Title ‘Baapya’ To PVR INOX (EXCLUSIVE)

The Pride Film Festival is returning on May 29 with a curated lineup of films exploring identity, belonging and self-expression through globally celebrated and regional stories. Running for a week across 20 cities and 40 cinemas, this year’s edition will feature Academy Award winner “Moonlight,” Elton John musical biopic “Rocketman,” and Marathi title “Baapya.”

The lineup spans different styles of storytelling but remains connected by themes of identity, courage and human connection, placing intimate personal journeys at the center.

Talking about the festival, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX Ltd., says: “Cinema has always been a powerful medium for empathy, identity and dialogue. We believe storytelling has the ability to foster inclusion and celebrate diverse voices, and this festival is a reflection of that commitment.” 
She adds: “We are proud to bring back globally celebrated titles such as ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Rocketman,’ as well as ‘Baapya,’ a story from the heartland of India. We hope the festival sparks conversations and reminds audiences of the transformative power of cinema.”

The lineup includes:

'Moonlight' (2016)

Directed by Barry Jenkins, the coming-of-age drama became one of the defining films of the decade after winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. Told across three chapters of a young man’s life, the film follows Chiron as he navigates race, identity and sexuality while growing up in Miami. The cast includes Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, André Holland, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monáe and Mahershala Ali, with the latter winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

'Rocketman' (2019)

Directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Egerton as Elton John, “Rocketman” moved away from the conventional biopic structure and leaned into fantasy and musical storytelling. The film traces Elton John’s rise from Reginald Dwight to a global music icon while also exploring his personal struggles with fame, addiction and identity. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again.”

'Baapya' (2026) 

Bringing a regional perspective to the lineup, the Marathi film offers a more intimate exploration of identity and human relationships through contemporary storytelling. Its inclusion broadens the festival’s scope by placing local narratives alongside internationally recognized titles. The film stars Rajshri Deshpande, Girish Kulkarni, and an ensemble. 

The festival also arrives at a time when curated screenings and repertory programming continue finding a larger place in theatrical exhibition. Alongside creating a space for representation-driven storytelling, such events are increasingly giving audiences an opportunity to revisit acclaimed films on the big screen while introducing a new generation to stories that shaped cultural conversations.

The week-long event begins May 29, with booking details and theatre listings expected to be available on the official app and website.

Read More About: Baapya, Moonlight, Rocketman

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