Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival CEO Issues Fresh Statement: 'Legacy Can't Be Shaken'

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) Awards is considered to be one of India’s most prestigious award ceremonies. For the unversed, DPIFF was founded in 2012 and established in 2016 to carry forward the legacy of the Father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. However, in a shocking turn of events, DPIFF’s Managing Director, Anil Mishra, and CEO, Abhishek Mishra, were accused of deceiving many state governments and tourism departments, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, for sponsorships. DPIFF’s MD, Anil, was also accused of selling awards to actors whose films didn’t do well at the box office. Now, on May 21, 2025, the organisers of DPIFF issued a fresh statement rejecting the allegations and called the recent attempts ‘a motive to defame.’

DPIFF’s MD, Anil Mishra and CEO, Abhishek Mishra, issue a fresh statement following the recent controversy

On May 21, 2025, taking to their official Instagram handle, the DPIFF’s organisers issued a new statement surrounding the recent controversy. In the official statement, they wrote the recent controversial events were just to defame the platform that was built to maintain the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke. They also wrote that the false allegations couldn’t derail them from their mission to carry on the legacy. The official statement can be read as:

“Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival stands as a proud tribute to Indian cinema, creativity and integrity - a platform built on legacy. Despite recent attempts to defame and derail our journey through false and malicious narratives, DPIFF remains unshaken. These unfounded claims failed to derail our mission. We’re back - with more power, passion and purpose.”

In the caption of the post, the organisers were found paying tribute to the timeless vision of Dadasaheb Phalke. They also mentioned that the false allegations cannot break the legacy that they built with time. The official statement was posted on DPIFF’s Instagram handle with the caption can be read as:

“With resilience and responsibility, we move forward. A legacy can’t be shaken. A celebration can’t be stopped. Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival remains devoted to honouring cinematic excellence and India’s cultural heritage. DPIFF 2025 — a tribute to that timeless vision — is coming, bigger, bolder and grander.”

DPIFF’s CEO, Abhishek Mishra shared his views on the recent controversy

For the uninitiated, as per an NDTV report on May 7, 2025, the Mumbai Police lodged a complaint against DPIFF’s Managing Director, Anil Mishra, and CEO, Abhishek Mishra, for allegedly claiming the support of the Central government to hold the event. They also charged that the organisers tried to deceive many state governments and tourism departments, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra, as well as banks like Punjab National Bank and the State Bank of India, for sponsorships. Following the controversy, as per a Hindustan Times report, DPIFF’s CEO, Abhishek Mishra has issued a statement. The statement can be read as:

“Since its inception, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has stood as a proud torchbearer of India’s rich cinematic legacy, committed to celebrating artistic excellence. Recent challenges only strengthened our resolve. We upheld the truth with dignity and are grateful to the Indian judicial system for reaffirming it. To every artist, filmmaker, and cinephile, thank you for your unwavering support. We now look forward to an even bigger and brighter celebration of Indian cinema and the artists that make Indian cinema what it is.”

DPIFF’s MD, Anil Mishra was accused of selling awards to Bollywood stars

As per a Hindustan Times report, DPIFF’s MD, Anil Mishra, was accused of reportedly selling awards to several actors, whose films did get commercial success. Anil also charged Rs. 2.5 lakhs for a pass to permit two persons, citing the participation of prominent Bollywood stars, and pass the awards as a part of the prestigious National Film Awards.

DPIFF’s organisers earlier posted an official statement announcing the postponement of the 2025 Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival

For those unaware, this year’s Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival was scheduled for February 20, 2025. However, due to the controversy, the DPIFF’s organisers postponed the prestigious award ceremony. On February 25, 2025, taking to their official Instagram handle, the organisers issued a statement making a public apology. The statement can be read as:

“In light of unforeseen circumstances, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) regrets to inform its esteemed recipients, vendors, partners, fans and the public at large that the ceremony scheduled for 20th February, 2025 will the postponed due to Force Majeure. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and are grateful for your understanding and continued support during this turbulent period.”

What do you think about the controversy involving the organisers of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival? Let us know.

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