Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024: Complete Winners List and Highlights. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 has once again highlighted the brilliance and diversity of Indian cinema. The winners were announced on Friday, with the official IFFM account sharing the list on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Best Film and Performances
The prestigious Best Film award was claimed by “12th Fail,” a film that has captivated both audiences and critics. Vikrant Massey, who starred in the film, also received the Best Performer Critics’ Choice award, further solidifying the film’s impact.
Kartik Aaryan was honored as the Best Actor for his remarkable performance in “Chandu Champion.” His portrayal in the film has been widely acclaimed, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. The Best Actress award went to Parvathy Thiruvothu for her powerful role in “Ullozhukku,” a film that has enthralled viewers with its intense storytelling.
Directorial Excellence
Director Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” was awarded the Best Film Critics’ Choice award, recognizing its unique narrative and artistic excellence. The Best Director award was shared by Kabir Khan for “Chandu Champion” and Nithilan Swaminathan for “Maharaja,” both of whom have demonstrated exceptional skill in bringing their stories to life.
Special Recognitions
Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki” received the Equality in Cinema award, highlighting its contribution to promoting social equality through cinema. Telugu actor Ram Charan was named Ambassador for Indian Art and Culture, acknowledging his significant influence and contribution to the arts. Music composer AR Rahman was honored with an award for Excellence in Cinema, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to the film industry.
Web Series and Other Awards
The festival also recognized the best in web series, with “Kohhra” winning Best Series. Nimisha Sajayan and Arjun Mathur were awarded Best Performance in a Female and Male Series, respectively, for their roles in “Poacher” and “Made in Heaven Season 2.”
Other notable awards included the Best Film from the Subcontinent. Which went to “The Red Suitcase,” and the People’s Choice award, which was won by “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” The Breakout Film of the Year was “Amar Singh Chamkila,” while Adarsh Gourav was named Disruptor of the Year. Rasika Dugal was recognized as the Diversity Champion for her contributions to promoting diversity in cinema.
Festival Highlights
The IFFM 2024 kicked off on August 15 and will continue to celebrate Indian films until August 25. The festival was inaugurated with an official press conference attended by notable figures such as Kartik Aaryan, Imtiaz Ali, Karan Johar, Kabir Khan, and Shoojit Sircar. This year’s festival has truly showcased the richness and diversity of Indian cinema, honoring the best performances, films, and contributions to the industry.