Rahul Desai

Rahul Desai

Writer, Film Critic and Columnist

Rahul Desai started writing professionally with a passion for nuanced, character-centred cinema, whether independent or mainstream. Over time, he evolved into one of India’s most distinctive critical voices through his columns, especially at Film Companion. Today, Rahul is celebrated for deeply analytical film criticism that explores psychology, performance, and narrative craft with poetic clarity. His achievements include jury roles at film festivals, mentorship for rising writers, and recognition within India’s cinephile community as a thought-provoking cultural analyst. His essays and reviews are frequently cited for their emotional honesty and cinematic depth. Rahul’s most renowned contributions lie in long-form criticism that not only evaluates films but interprets them as reflections of society elevating public discussions about art and storytelling.

All Sessions by Rahul Desai

Season 15 Day - 1 November 29, 2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

"The Critics Cut: How We Choose What We Watch?"

Stage 1

Anupama Chopra, Rahul Desai, Raja Sen, Mayank Shekhar In Conversation with Rohini Ramnathan

Season 9 - Day 2 October 13, 2019
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

AMA with Film Critics

Path to Passion

Sucharita Tyagi, Rahul Desai

Season 8 - Day 2 October 14, 2018
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

Catching up with shorts

Stage 2

Anupama Chopra, Bhawana Somaya, Rahul Desai, Bharathi Pradhan in conversation with Jyoti Kapur Das

Season 8 - Day 1 October 13, 2018
2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

Mindie Film Warriors: Making Good Film with Little Money

Stage 1

Sandeep Modi, Anand Towari, Nagesh Kukunoor, Ashi Dua in conversation with Rahul Desai

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Year in Review: Film and Web

Stage 3

Raja Sen, Rahul Desai

Season 7 - Day 2 October 1, 2017
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Long Story Short - Screening

Stage 3

Rahul Desai

What is the festival all about?
IFP is a multi-staged creativity & culture festival that happens across two days with more than 180+ prominent creators from Films & OTT, Digital, Literature & Writing, Music, Design & Art, Storytelling, Audio & Podcasting, Photography, Tech & Gaming, Comedy, Culture, Advertising and Performing arts who will participate in various Conversations, Panels, Workshops, Masterclasses, Live Performances, and AMAs.

 

Are there any hidden charges?
No, only GST will be levied on the tickets as per the government’s rules and regulations.

 

When and where is the festival happening?
The festival is scheduled to take place on-ground in  Mumbai on December 6th & 7th, 2025.

 

Is the festival accessible for People of Determination?
Yes, IFP is an all-inclusive and accessible festival. We will be tying up with an accessibility management agency to ensure the same.

 

Can I attend all the sessions?
Yes, you will have access to all the sessions taking place across all 2 days. However Stage entry and seating will be on a first come first serve basis.

 

Where can I buy tickets?
The tickets are available on all the major Ticketing Platforms and on IFP’s Website. Click here to buy the tickets.

 

Will there be an award ceremony for the challenges?
Yes, the winners of all the challenges of IFP will be awarded during the festival. Kindly check the schedule regarding the same.

 

What will be the timings of the festival?
The first session on October 12 & 13, 2024 (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) will start at 10am and the last session will end at 9pm.

 

I’m a member of the media? How do I make arrangements for a media pass?
You can  fill-up the form with relevant details and request for media invite.

 

Wow, there are lots of artists taking sessions! Will I get to personally interact with them?
There is no guarantee, however, you could plan for the questions you would want to ask in the event and if you are lucky, you will get an opportunity to ask them.

 

Will there be food at the venue?
Yes, there will be a food zone at the festival. 

 

Will there be parking at the venue?
No, there will be no parking available at the venue.

 

Is there any age limit/rule?
No. The festival is open to all ages.

 

How do I become a Sponsor?
Please mail us at ritam@ifp.world

 

What is your ticket policy?
Tickets are purchased online through our (platform) and on-ground on festival days. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

What are some of the general measures that ensure safety in all forms at the festival?
Harassment, abuse , stalking, threatening or defaming/ violating any rights (right to privacy and publicity) is not allowed and will be taken seriously. Attendees are not allowed to carry any harmful substances, weapons or arms of any kind.