The 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has announced its award winners, celebrating an array of exceptional talent and inspiring stories. Stars from India, the subcontinent, and Australia descended on Melbourne, lighting up the red carpet at The Palais Theatre on 16 August in a night filled with glitz and glamour, honouring the best in the industry.
The prestigious title of Ambassador of Indian Art and Culture was bestowed upon Ram Charan, whose song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the blockbuster film RRR made history as the first Indian film song to win an Oscar. Charan’s presence was a highlight of the festival, and he delighted fans further by appearing at Federation Square on 17 August for the Indian Independence Day celebration and flag-raising ceremony, where thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the star.
The IFFM Award for Best Performance (Male) was awarded to Kartik Aaryan for his role in Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan, who also took home the Best Director Award for the same film. Chandu Champion tells the inspiring tale of a man who, despite numerous challenges, secured India’s first individual Olympic gold medal. The Best Director Award was shared with Nithilan Swaminathan for Maharaja.
Dr. A.R. Rahman, India’s most celebrated musician and a recipient of Grammy, Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe awards, was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award.
This year’s Short Film Competition winner was The Vegemite Sandwich, directed by Robbie Fatt, with a special mention given to Echo, directed by Sandeep Raj. The IFFM Award for Best Performance (Male) in a Series was won by Arjun Mathur for Made in Heaven S2, while Nimisha Sajayan earned the Best Performance (Female) in a Series award for Poacher. The Best Series Award went to Kohrra.
The Best Film from the Subcontinent Award was presented to The Red Suitcase, directed by Fidel Devkota, with Best Documentary honours going to Trolley Times.
Adarsh Gourav was named IFFM Disruptor of the Year, while the Diversity Champion Award went to Rasika Dugal. The Breakout Film of the Year was awarded to Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali. Parvathy Thiruvothu received the Best Performance (Female) award for her role in Ullozhukku (Undercurrent).
The IFFM People’s Choice Award was claimed by Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, while the Equality in Cinema Award went to Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani.
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, won the IFFM Award for Best Film—Critics’ Choice, with Vikrant Massey sweeping both the Best Film and Best Performer (Critics’ Choice) awards for 12th Fail. The IFFM Award for Best Director—Critics’ Choice was awarded to Dominic Sangma for Rimdogittanga (Rapture).
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne continues to run until 25 August, with screenings and events taking place across the city and extending into regional Victoria.
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