Aamir Khan, Kamal Haasan to Grace Chennai Film Fest Opening Function

"Dhoom 3" actor Aamir Khan, Kamal Haasan and Minister of Information of Government of Tamil Nadu will grace the opening day at the 11th edition of Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF), which will take place from 12 December in the city. [Also Read: Kamal Haasan to launch "Vishwaroopam 2" Trailer at CIFF?]

The eight-day festival, organised by Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation in association with the government of Tamil Nadu, will have the participation from members of the film fraternity, film buffs, press/media, consulates/embassies, prominent Chennaites, corporate and student volunteers, according to an official press release.

More than 160 films from 58 countries will be screened at the festival. The films will be shown in eight screens in five venues, including Woodland Theatre Complex (2 screens), Inox Screens (2 screens), Abirami Mega Mall (2 Screens), Rani Seethai Hall & Casino Theatre.

At least 12 Tamil films including Nalan Kumarasamy's "Soodhu Kavvum", Suseenthiran's "Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer", Kishore's "Haridas", Bala's "Paradesi" and Prabhu Solomon's "Kumki" will be competing with each other for the CIFF award for best film (Director and Producer), second best film (director and producer) and the special jury award.

From this year onwards, CIFF has instituted the new Amitabh Bachchan youth icon award in honour of the legendary actor. Young music composer Anirudh of "Why This Kolaveri Di" fame will receive the award at the festival. CIFF will also be celebrating the completion of 100 years of Indian cinema.

Several dignitaries from foreign countries are expected to attend the film festival. The opening day and closing day ceremonies will be held in Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Chennai. Malayalam actor Mohanlal, Jury of Tamil feature film competition, will attend the closing ceremony. Composer Anirudh will give a live performance at the event. For more details about the eight-day festival, click here.