Time and again, I keep talking about my new experiences in Canada. I still call it “New” because if you have been following me for a while, you would know that I arrived in Canada just this year, in February. And oh boy! This city has been throwing its best at me ever since. From scenic snowfall photography frames to making me learn and adapt to the culture (& food) of this city, it is all a beautiful experience.
September has been absolutely magical so far! With fall just around the corner, I’m already buzzing with excitement, but let’s talk about the real highlight: the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which just celebrated its incredible 50th edition. For years, I’d only heard whispers about its grandeur, how it draws global talent and sparkles with movie premieres. But living it firsthand? That was something else entirely. TIFF wasn’t just a film festival; it was a vibrant, worldwide celebration of storytelling that left me in awe.
TIFF 50 buzzed with the same magic you’d find in a great movie- vibrant characters, gripping stories, and creativity bursting at the seams. It had creativity in all the pop-ups, a red carpet that showcased stars in their most humble form and for me, unexpected encounters with the movie talents. This was my very first year attending TIFF. And of course, this had to be backed up by booking movie tickets for the premieres I love by title and description.
I attended two premieres: Orwell: 2+2=5 and Monkey in a Cage. Both left me inspired, and I’ll share why these films are absolute must-sees when they hit public screenings.
Orwell 2+2=5
Directed by Raoul Peck, known for his powerful documentaries like I Am Not Your Negro, Orwell: 2+2=5 is a 119-minute exploration of George Orwell’s life and his legacy as a writer. This North American Premiere at TIFF 50 juxtaposes Orwell’s writings, narrated by Damien Lewis, with archival footage that bridges the past and present. Peck masterfully shows how Orwell’s dystopian visions in 1984 and Animal Farm aren’t relics but urgent warnings about surveillance, authoritarianism, and the manipulation of truth in our hyper-connected world.
What struck me most was how the film flows smoothly, relating the past with the present and highlighting the present era of fake news and political polarisation. Of course, the movie showcases one of the finest examples of storytelling that blends animation, interviews, and historical clips- making Orwell’s ideas pulse with life. It’s hopeful, reminding us of the power of words to resist oppression. As a first-time festival-goer, sitting in that theatre during the premiere, I felt a chill of recognition; it’s the kind of film that sparks post-screening debates and personal reflections.
Don’t miss this when it releases in U.S. theatres on October 3, 2025. It’s an essential viewing for anyone. Offering not just insight but a call to vigilance.
Monkey In A Cage
I am an Indian by ethnicity, and a fan of Anurag Kashyap's movies for his courage in portraying the raw, unflinching cinema.
If Orwell was a cerebral journey, Monkey in a Cage (debut as Bandar in Hindi Cinema) was a pulse-pounding movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. This 140-minute Hindi-language thriller, directed by Anurag Kashyap and marking its World Premiere at TIFF 50, is a crime drama laced with mystery and social commentary. Starring Bobby Deol in a career-defining role, alongside Sanya Malhotra and others, it unfolds in a gritty Indian underbelly, exploring themes of false accusations, systemic injustice, and the human cost of power.
The film’s title evokes the entrapment of its characters, much like monkeys in a cage, and its blend of high-stakes suspense with poignant critiques of society makes it impossible to look away. The multilingual mix of Hindi, Marathi, and English adds authenticity, drawing from real-world inspirations without feeling preachy.
A little appreciation to TIFF goes here- they never fail to spotlight diverse voices from South Asian movies. When Bandar releases in 2026 (In India), make it a priority. I sometimes feel it is Anurag Kashyap’s world, and we are all living in it.
A New Found Appreciation For TIFF!
I’ve always admired TIFF from afar, but experiencing it firsthand was like watching Toronto’s soul come alive to make the festival a massive success. There were movie premieres, after-parties, red carpet and Q&A sessions- enough to reignite my love for cinema in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Being in Canada and experiencing all this in the very first year amplified my overall experience.
My TIFF debut has me hooked; here’s to many more festivals in this beautiful country.