The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 has announced its winners. And this year’s ceremony was a grand celebration of Indian cinema.
Several major names took home top honours. Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, Rekha, Rani Mukerji, Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal were among the biggest winners.
The 17th edition also celebrated films across genres and formats. From mainstream releases to indie films, documentaries and streaming shows, the festival showcased the changing face of Indian storytelling.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Wins Best Film
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra took home the Best Film award. The film emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening.
Meanwhile, The Great Shamshuddin Family received a Special Mention for Best Film. The honour also highlighted IFFM’s support for unconventional stories.
Rima Das’ Not a Hero won Best Indie Film. As a result, independent cinema once again found a strong place at the festival.
Rishab Shetty Has a Big Night
Rishab Shetty had a particularly memorable evening. First, he won Best Director for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
However, that was not all. He also received the prestigious Leadership in Cinema award.
The honour recognises his impact on contemporary Indian cinema. Moreover, Shetty has shown how regional stories can connect with audiences across the world.
His work combines cultural roots with universal emotions. Therefore, his success reflects the growing global appeal of Indian regional cinema.
Dulquer Salmaan and Kirti Kulhari Win Big
The acting categories also delivered major wins.
Dulquer Salmaan won Best Actor for Kaantha. Meanwhile, Kirti Kulhari received the Best Actress award for Full Plate.
Both performances stood out in highly competitive categories. More importantly, their wins underline IFFM’s focus on powerful, character-driven performances.
Stories Beyond India’s Borders
IFFM 2026 also celebrated cinema from across the subcontinent.
Shahrbanoo Sadat’s No Good Men won Best Film from the Subcontinent. The award further strengthened the festival’s commitment to South Asian storytelling.
At the same time, Madhushree Dutta’s Flying Tigers won Best Documentary Film. The honour brought attention to the power of non-fiction storytelling.
Meanwhile, Saiyaara won the People’s Choice Award. Clearly, the film struck a strong chord with audiences.
Equality and Representation Take Centre Stage
Cinema can entertain, but it can also spark important conversations. IFFM 2026 recognised that impact with the Equality in Cinema Award.
Sitaare Zameen Par won the award, presented by La Trobe. Simran Mangeshkar also received a Special Mention for her work in the film.
The festival also celebrated diverse voices through the Rainbow Storyteller Award, which went to Lala and Poppy.
Additionally, short films received their due recognition. The Weight of Soil won the Australian short film competition, while Jo’s Turn won in the Indian category.
Streaming Stars Make Their Mark
Streaming talent also had a strong presence at IFFM 2026.
Vijay Varma won Best Actor (Series) for Matka King. At the same time, Rasika Dugal took home Best Actress (Series) for Delhi Crime 3.
The Best Series award went to Freedom At Midnight, Season 2.
These wins reflect a major shift in Indian entertainment. Today, compelling stories are reaching audiences through both theatres and streaming platforms.
Pankaj Tripathi Receives Special Honour
The festival also celebrated some of Indian cinema’s most respected performers.
Pankaj Tripathi received the Artist of Distinction honour. The award recognises his remarkable body of work and his contribution to Indian cinema.
Over the years, Tripathi has built a reputation for authentic and memorable performances. Therefore, the honour celebrates both his talent and his lasting influence.
Rani Mukerji Marks 30 Years in Cinema
Rani Mukerji also received a special recognition at the festival.
The actor was honoured for 30 Years in Cinema. The recognition celebrates three decades of memorable performances and an evolving career.
From powerful dramas to commercial entertainers, Mukerji has consistently explored different characters. As a result, she has remained an important figure in Indian cinema.
Rekha Honoured for Excellence in Cinema
One of the biggest moments of the night belonged to Rekha.
The legendary actor received the prestigious Excellence in Cinema award. It honours her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema over several decades.
Rekha’s career has been defined by iconic performances and an unforgettable screen presence. Therefore, the recognition was a fitting tribute to one of the industry’s most celebrated stars.
Her honour added another memorable moment to an already star-studded IFFM 2026 ceremony.
IFFM 2026 Reflects Indian Cinema’s Evolution
The winners tell a bigger story about Indian cinema.
Today, Indian films are no longer restricted to one language, format or audience. Instead, filmmakers are blending regional identities with universal themes.
From Rishab Shetty’s directorial achievement to the acting wins of Dulquer Salmaan and Kirti Kulhari, the festival celebrated cinematic excellence.
At the same time, streaming stars such as Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal highlighted the industry’s digital transformation. Independent filmmakers, documentary creators and short-film storytellers also received an important platform.
A Global Stage for Indian Stories
Ultimately, IFFM 2026 showcased the growing global influence of Indian cinema.
The festival brought together established stars, emerging talent and filmmakers from across India and the subcontinent. More importantly, it connected these stories with international audiences.
From regional cinema to mainstream films and streaming productions, the awards reflected an industry that continues to evolve.
And with its focus on diversity, representation and cultural exchange, IFFM remains an important platform for Indian storytelling on the global stage.
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