IFFM 2026 Winners: Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, and Rani Mukerji Take Home Top Honours, Full List Inside
The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2026) celebrated excellence across South Asian cinema at Melbourne's Palais Theatre, crowning 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' as Best Film alongside top acting wins for Dulquer Salmaan ('Kaantha') and Kirti Kulhari ('Full Plate').
The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2026) announced its official award winners on Friday, celebrating dynamic talent and diverse storytelling across Indian cinema and the broader South Asian region. Held at the iconic Palais Theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne, the festival's opening night awards ceremony brought together prominent actors, filmmakers, and industry leaders to honour standout achievements in mainstream cinema, streaming series, independent films, and documentaries. Dulquer Salmaan Turns 43: Mammootty Kampany Celebrates 'Mollywood Prince's' Birthday With Heartwarming Photo Alongside Mammukka (View Post).
Major Highlights and Top Honourees at IFFM 2026
The evening's highest honours went to a mix of established stars, acclaimed directors, and cinematic legends. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra secured the award for Best Film, while Rishab Shetty won Best Director for Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 alongside the Leadership in Cinema award. Dulquer Salmaan bagged Best Actor for his performance in Kaantha, and Kirti Kulhari was awarded Best Actress for Full Plate.
In the OTT and series category, Vijay Varma took home Best Actor (Series) for Matka King, Rasika Dugal won Best Actress (Series) for Delhi Crime Season 3, and Freedom At Midnight Season 2 was declared Best Series. Special distinction awards were presented to veteran actor Rekha for Excellence in Cinema, Pankaj Tripathi as Artist of Distinction, and Rani Mukerji in recognition of her 30-year milestone in Indian cinema.
Complete List of IFFM 2026 Winners
Best Film: Lokah Chapter 1: ChandraÂ
Best Film (Special Mention): The Great Shamshuddin Family
Best Indie Film: Not a Hero – Rima Das
Special Mention (Indie Film): Kikkran De Phull (Flowers of Acacia)
Best Director: Rishab Shetty – Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 Â
Rishab Shetty Wins Best Director for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’
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Best Actor: Dulquer Salmaan – Kaantha Â
Dulquer Salmaan is IFFM 2026 Best Actor for ‘Kaantha’
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Best Actress: Kirti Kulhari – Full PlateÂ
Best Film from the Subcontinent: No Good Men – Shahrbanoo Sadat
Best Documentary Film: Flying Tigers – Madhushree Dutta
People’s Choice Award: Saiyaara Â
Equality in Cinema Award (Presented by La Trobe): Sitaare Zameen ParÂ
Special Mention (Equality in Cinema): Simran Mangeshkar – Sitaare Zameen Par
Rainbow Storyteller Award: Lala and Poppy
Short Film Competition (Australia): The Weight of SoilÂ
Short Film Competition (India): Jo’s Turn
Best Actor (Series): Vijay Varma – Matka King Â
Vijay Varma Wins Best Actor Male for ‘Matka King’
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Best Actress (Series): Rasika Dugal – Delhi Crime Season 3
Best Series: Freedom At Midnight Season 2Â
Artiste of Distinction: Pankaj Tripathi
Special Recognition: 30 Years of Rani Mukerji
Leadership in Cinema: Rishab Shetty
Excellence in Cinema: Rekha
As one of the largest foreign festivals dedicated to South Asian cinema, IFFM continues to serve as a key bridge between the Australian audience and Indian filmmakers, showcasing the expanding footprint of Indian content on the global stage.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2026 02:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
