The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) concluded with a grand awards ceremony celebrating the best of Indian cinema. This year’s awards honored some of the finest talents and films from the Indian film industry, making it a memorable night for winners and attendees alike.

Top Honors

• Ram Charan and Dr. A.R. Rahman received the top awards for their remarkable cinematic achievements.
• Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor for his exceptional performance, solidifying his place as one of the most versatile actors in contemporary Indian cinema.
• Kabir Khan and Nithilan Swaminathan were jointly awarded Best Director for their work on Chandu Champion and Maharaja, respectively.

Special Recognitions

• Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film 12th Fail was honored for its inspirational story.
• Kiran Rao’s Missing Ladies received recognition for its innovative storytelling and approach.

Festival Highlights
The 15th IFFM brought together some of India’s most renowned talents, making it a memorable event. The festival, running from August 15 to August 25, 2024, featured a diverse range of films showcasing the rich culture of Indian cinema. The awards ceremony marked a fitting end to the cinematic week.

Award Winners List

• Excellence in Cinema: Dr. A.R. Rahman
• Ambassador of Indian Art and Culture: Ram Charan
• Equality in Cinema Award: Dunki
• Diversity Champion: Rasika Duggal
• Disruptor in Cinema Award: Adarsh Gourav
• Breakout Film: Amar Singh Chamkila
• Short Film Competition: The Vegemite Sandwich and Eco (Special Mention)
• Best Documentary: Trolley Times
• Best Film from the Subcontinent: The Red Suitcase (Nepal Series)
• Best Series: Kohra Series
• Best Actor (Series): Arjun Mathur (Made in Heaven Season 2)
• Best Actress: Nimisha Sajayan (Pochar)
• Best Film (Critics’ Choice): Missing Ladies
• Best Director (Critics’ Choice): Dominic Sangma (Rapchure)
• Best Performance (Critics): Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)

Jury Awards

• Best Actress: Parvathy Thiruvothu (Ullozhukku – Undercurrent)
• Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion)
• Best Director: Kabir Khan (Chandu Champion) and Nithilan Swaminathan (Maharaja)
• Best Film: 12th Fail