Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne
Melbourne, Aug 14: The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has announced its 2026 winners, with several Indian films and artistes receiving top honours.
Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, Kirti Kulhari, Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal were among the major winners at the festival. Veteran actress Rekha was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema award, while Rani Mukerji received special recognition for completing 30 years in the film industry.
The Malayalam film 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' won the Best Film award. 'The Great Shamshuddin Family' received a Special Mention, while Rima Das won Best Indie Film for 'Not a Hero'.
Rishab Shetty was named Best Director for 'Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1', besides receiving the Leadership in Cinema honour. Dulquer Salmaan won Best Actor for 'Kaantha', while Kirti Kulhari was named Best Actress for 'Full Plate'.
'No Good Men', directed by Shahrbanoo Sadat, won Best Film from the Subcontinent, while 'Flying Tigers' by Madhushree Dutta was named Best Documentary Film.
'Saiyaara' won the People's Choice Award, while 'Sitaare Zameen Par' received the Equality in Cinema Award. 'Lala and Poppy' won the Rainbow Storyteller Award.
In the series category, Vijay Varma won Best Actor for 'Matka King', while Rasika Dugal was named Best Actress for 'Delhi Crime 3'. 'Freedom At Midnight, Season 2' won Best Series.
Pankaj Tripathi was named Artist of Distinction, while the short film awards went to 'The Weight of Soil' in the Australian competition and 'Jo's Turn' in the Indian competition.
Rekha was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema award in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema. Rani Mukerji received a special recognition honour marking her three decades in the film industry.
The IFFM 2026 is being held from August 13 to 23, bringing together Indian films and filmmakers and celebrating the diversity of Indian cinema.
A special screening of Rekha's acclaimed film 'Umrao Jaan' is also scheduled as part of the festival.