The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) announced its winners for 2026, bringing together a wide range of films, performances and storytellers from India and across the subcontinent. The festival also recognised veteran actor Rekha with the Excellence in Cinema award, while Rani Mukerji was honoured for completing 30 years in the industry. This year’s awards recognised established stars as well as independent filmmakers, emerging voices and stories that explore different sides of Indian cinema. Among the biggest names to receive honours were Rishab Shetty , Dulquer Salmaan , Kirti Kulhari, Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal.
About Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Best Film: Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra 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 Best Actor: Dulquer Salmaan – Kaantha This year, the festival also highlighted how far Indian storytelling was making its way to foreign audiences. The diversity of this year’s award-winning work spanned from theatrical films to mainstream streaming television series, as well as independent films and documentaries.
