Saiyami Kher and filmmaker Vikram Phadnis are taking their upcoming film Pal Bhar Ke Liye to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in 2026. The film will have its world premiere at the festival, giving it its first public screening before an international audience.
The film features Saiyami Kher alongside Ishwak Singh, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Viineet Kumar Siingh. The source announcement describes the three actors as playing key roles in the film. No plot details or theatrical release plans were shared in the announcement.
Film to debut at IFFM 2026
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has been a regular platform for Indian films outside India. For Pal Bhar Ke Liye, the Melbourne screening will begin its festival journey and introduce the film to viewers from different countries.
For Saiyami Kher, the premiere also brings her back to IFFM after Ghoomer, which opened the 2023 edition of the festival. Speaking about returning with a new film, she said, "IFFM has always held a very special place in my heart. My memories of bringing Ghoomer to Melbourne are incredibly close to me, and to now return with Pal Bhar Ke Liye for its World Premiere feels truly surreal."
She added, "There’s something magical about watching your work connect with audiences from different cultures, yet through emotions that are universally understood. I’m grateful that our film begins its journey on such a prestigious international platform, and I can’t wait to experience it with audiences in Melbourne."
Vikram Phadnis calls the film a labour of love
Director Vikram Phadnis also shared his response to the film being selected for a world premiere at IFFM 2026. He said the festival was a fitting place to introduce the film to audiences.
"As a filmmaker, every story deserves to find its audience, and there’s no better place to introduce our film than IFFM. The festival has consistently championed meaningful Indian cinema on a global stage, and it is an honour for all of us to have our World Premiere here," Phadnis said.
He further said, "Pal Bhar Ke Liye has been a labour of love for the entire team, and I’m excited for audiences from across the world to experience it for the very first time."
Festival director welcomes the film
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM also confirmed the film’s place in the 2026 line-up. She said, "We are delighted to host the World Premiere of Vikram Phadnis’ upcoming film at IFFM 2026. The festival has always celebrated compelling stories and exceptional talent from Indian cinema, and this film is a wonderful addition to this year’s programme."
She added that the festival looked forward to sharing the film with audiences and celebrating the team behind it.
With the premiere now confirmed, Pal Bhar Ke Liye will be seen first at IFFM 2026. The announcement focuses on the festival debut, the cast and the participation of Saiyami Kher and Vikram Phadnis. Further details about the film’s story, release date or wider distribution have not been disclosed in the source material.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.