<p>Active packaging using bioactive compounds loaded edible polymers is an emerging concept to maintain food quality and safety with increase in shelf life. Therefore, an active edible films/coatings of chitosan blended with corn starch (CTS/CS) were developed. CTS/CS films were further fortified with bioactive compounds extracted from pomegranate peels (PP) and encapsulated within sporopollenin (SP) derived from <i>Lycopodium clavatum</i> spores (CTS/CS/SP) to enhance antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. SP played dual role as effective natural filler for CTS/CS film matrix due to its uniform size, bio-compatibility, high thermal stability, biodegradability, and nontoxicity as well as encapsulating agent for the bioactives from PP. CTS/CS/SP film matrix containing bioactive compounds from PP (CC-A) depicted good light barrier properties, tensile strength of 16.46&#xa0;MPa with 78.5% elongation, and could reduce the water vapor transmission rate (10.06 ± 0.88 gm²/h) as compared to the control (CC) as well as film without bioactive compounds (CC-NA). FTIR analysis confirmed successful interaction between the functional groups of polymers/SP/PP. The film forming solutions were used to coat sapodilla and its shelf-life was evaluated at a regular interval up to 12 days at 25 ± 2°C. The sapodilla coated with CC-A coating depicted enhanced shelf-life, as confirmed by various parameters like weight loss, decay %, total soluble solid (TSS) content, respiration rate, high total phenolic content, and ascorbic acid value as compared to control sample at the end of storage period. These innovative films/coatings can be used as compostable films and coatings, in turn demonstrating the potential to balance functionality with environmental sustainability.</p>