Panaji, Goa, November 25, 2025 – Actor Sunny Hinduja, known for his versatile performances in both mainstream and OTT platforms, made a notable appearance at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, Hinduja shared his perspectives on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and his approach to selecting roles.
Speaking exclusively to Firstpost at IFFI 2025, Hinduja articulated a philosophy that transcends the conventional commercial versus non-mainstream divide. "I don't think about commercial or non-mainstream," he stated, emphasizing his focus on the quality and depth of the character he portrays. This approach underlines his commitment to roles that allow him to showcase his skills as an actor, regardless of the project's genre or scale.
Hinduja's career reflects this very sentiment. He has garnered acclaim for his roles in popular web series such as "The Family Man," "Aspirants," and "Inside Edge," as well as his performances in films like "Yodha" and "Shehzada". In "Aspirants," Hinduja played the character 'Sandeep Bhaiyya', which earned him considerable recognition. He has also explored roles as a villain in Bollywood movies. More recently, Hinduja has been exploring opportunities behind the camera, co-directing the short film The Gratitude List with Chandan Anand, which also marks his first home production alongside his wife, Shinjini Raval. He is also making his debut in Malayalam cinema with the film Hello Mummy.
At IFFI 2025, Hinduja also took a moment to address the recent passing of veteran actor Dharmendra, calling it a significant loss for the Bollywood fraternity. He conveyed his condolences to Dharmendra's family, acknowledging the late actor's immense contribution to Indian cinema.
When asked about the increasing number of patriotic films in Bollywood, Hinduja acknowledged that while these stories are important, filmmakers should strive to present them in innovative ways. He emphasized that his role as an actor is to bring his best to the characters he portrays.
Looking ahead, Hinduja anticipates a busy and productive 2025. A glimpse into his preparations was shared on Instagram, featuring scripts and markers, hinting at numerous projects in the pipeline. In late 2024, Hinduja reflected on the past year as one of self-reflection and breaking boundaries, expressing his goals for 2025 to be more focused, empathetic, and hardworking.
Hinduja's presence at IFFI 2025 underscores his position as a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. His commitment to meaningful roles and his views on the changing dynamics of cinema resonate with the festival's spirit of celebrating diverse and impactful storytelling. As IFFI continues to showcase films from around the globe, actors like Sunny Hinduja exemplify the talent and vision that are shaping the future of Indian cinema.
