Archive · 11 Aug 2026
South Asian Film Festival UK Brings Hindi Classics to Cinemas
A brand-new movie festival is coming to England, and it is all about Indian movies.
It is called the South Asian Film Festival UK.
Three very famous Indian films will be shown on big screens again.
They are Sangam, Kabhi Kabhie, and Dil Chahta Hai.
One of the movies is 50 years old, and another one is 25 years old.
The films were restored so they look great on the cinema screen.
Before each movie, people can enjoy a special sing-along of songs from Indian films.
The movies will play in eight different cinemas across England.
Families and friends can watch these classic stories together.
You can buy tickets now to join the celebration.
The inaugural South Asian Film Festival UK will bring restored Indian classics back to cinemas across England this October.
Sangam screens on October 4 in a 4K restored edition, Kabhi Kabhie on October 11 marking its 50th anniversary, and Dil Chahta Hai on October 18 marking 25 years.
All three films will play simultaneously at eight Showcase Cinemas locations: Bluewater, Southampton, Reading, Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, Leeds and Dudley.
Every screening begins with an exclusive Filmy Sing-Along Medley featuring footage of stars such as Dev Anand, Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
The festival is supported by the BFI Audience Projects Fund and is partnered with Showcase Cinemas, Lyca Radio and A Rosie World.
Tickets are now on sale through Showcase Cinemas for the festival, which runs on three Sundays in October 2026.
- Who
- The inaugural South Asian Film Festival UK, led by festival director Rajesh Bedi, with films by Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra and Farhan Akhtar; supported by the BFI Audience Projects Fund and Showcase Cinemas.
- What
- A film festival screening three restored classic Hindi films in cinemas, each preceded by a Filmy Sing-Along Medley.
- When
- October 4, 11 and 18, 2026, on three Sundays.
- Where
- Eight Showcase Cinemas locations across England: Bluewater, Southampton, Reading, Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, Leeds and Dudley.
- Why
- To celebrate the films, music and filmmakers that have shaped generations of Indian cinema audiences and to give audiences the chance to experience the films collectively in cinemas.
- Festival
- South Asian Film Festival UK (inaugural edition)
- Films
- Sangam, Kabhi Kabhie, Dil Chahta Hai
- Dates
- October 4, 11 and 18, 2026
- Venues
- Eight Showcase Cinemas across England
- Anniversaries
- Kabhi Kabhie 50 years; Dil Chahta Hai 25 years
- Restoration
- Sangam presented in a 4K restored edition
- Funding
- BFI Audience Projects Fund (National Lottery funding)
- Partners
- Showcase Cinemas, Lyca Radio, A Rosie World