Abhishek has won the Best Actor Award at the Melbourne Film Festival for your film I Want To Talk. This is pure joy for me. I was literally dancing when the winner was announced. I can’t even express how happy I am. I’m so glad he won for this film. Right from the first shot we took, I knew he deserved it. I still remember that moment — how genuine and real he was. From that instant, I believed he would shine in this role.

His father must be very happy too? Yes, I received a congratulatory message from Mr. Bachchan. I replied saying that it was all possible because of him, because I had worked with him earlier. That’s how I came to know Abhishek, and that’s how I was able to cast him. Honestly, never once while shooting did, I feel I was watching Abhishek Bachchan. For me, he was always Arjun Sen.

Was Abhishek your first choice for playing Arjun Sen? Yes, while researching Arjun Sen’s character, I realized how perfectly Abhishek could fit into the role. The mannerisms he picked up, the personality traits, the way Arjun Sen keeps talking and blabbering — Abhishek captured it all. In the film, Arjun says he hates manipulation, yet he is constantly manipulating with his body language. Abhishek connected deeply with that contradiction. It touched him personally, and he immersed himself so completely that we never saw Abhishek Bachchan on set — only Arjun Sen.

Tell me something about working with Abhishek. When I first met him, beyond being a fantastic actor, I discovered he’s a beautiful human being and a thorough gentleman. He’s so knowledgeable. He already understood much about the medical science aspects of Arjun’s story — the surgeries he went through, his relationship with his daughter. Abhishek absorbed it all into his performance. As a father myself, I could sense how deeply he connected with that element. It made his portrayal even more truthful.

Do you feel more people should watch I Want To Talk? Absolutely. This award is richly deserved, but I really want more people to watch the film. A lot of audiences still haven’t seen it, and they should. Abhishek has shown what a deeply talented, artistic performer he is in this film. I hope this recognition makes people acknowledge the great actor that he truly is.

Also Read: Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, Onir reunite for My Melbourne sequel

The makers of Mirzapur: The Film have confirmed the addition of Mohit Malik, Ravi Kishan, and Jitendra Kumar to the ensemble cast of the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the popular series that already features Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Divyenndu in lead roles.

Mohit Malik is set to bring his experience and nuanced acting style to the film, fitting the gritty tone of Mirzapur. Ravi Kishan, a veteran of Hindi and Bhojpuri cinema, adds his strong screen presence to the ensemble. Jitendra Kumar contributes a contemporary edge with his relatable and natural performance style. While details regarding their storyline and specific character roles remain under wraps, it is being said that their roles will leave audiences surprised. In fact, the announcement has already generated significant discussion among fans, eager to see how the new additions will influence the narrative.

Coming to Mirzapur: The film, it aims to take the Mirzapur legacy to a larger cinematic canvas, maintaining the gritty storytelling and strong character-driven plots that have made the series a landmark in Indian entertainment. The film adaptation of the popular web series was announced in 2024, featuring Ali Fazal as Guddu, Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiyya, Divyenndu as Munna, in a promotional video together. Also starring Shweta Tripathi with her reprising the character of Golu, it is created by Puneet Krishna and directed by Gurmmeet Singh.

The highly anticipated film is already expected to have gone on floors as the makers are keen on its theatrical release in 2026, with a subsequent streaming release on an OTT platform.

With an ensemble cast featuring both established and emerging talent, Mirzapur: The Film is positioned as one of the most anticipated releases in the current entertainment landscape.

Also Read: Ali Fazal pens beautiful note expressing his love for Mirzapur and its co-stars; also reviews Pataal Lok

Rapper Badshah and his management team have issued official statements clarifying concerns raised by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) regarding the Dallas leg of his Unfinished USA Tour 2025. FWICE had sought clarification following allegations of sponsorship by a Pakistani-owned company, amid heightened sensitivities over cross-border collaborations.

In a statement, Badshah’s team emphasized, “The Unfinished USA Tour 2025 is being conducted through a U.S.-based event agency operating under fully transparent contractual terms. The tour is exclusively managed by Manish Sood of Intense Entertainment, who acts as the sole promoter and point of contact, handling all operational aspects including venue bookings, sponsorships, accommodations, and logistics.”

The statement further highlighted Badshah’s limited involvement in financial matters, noting, “The artist is not privy to nor involved in any financial arrangements beyond those explicitly outlined in his performance contract. In a commitment to transparency, Badshah’s legal counsel has provided comprehensive clarification to FWICE on 16th August 2025, reaffirming his professional integrity and allowing him to dedicate his full attention to his artistic endeavours.”

Intense Entertainment, the tour promoter, also addressed the issue, confirming the Dallas venue was secured under their company’s name. The statement reads, “To ensure seamless execution, we have enlisted the support of 3Sixty Shows—a U.S.-based event management firm owned and led by President and CEO Chloe Jones—to assist with marketing and on-ground logistics. All venue bookings, hotel reservations, flight arrangements, and ancillary logistics for the tour have been coordinated directly through Intense Entertainment, in strict compliance with local regulations and industry best practices.”

The promoter added, “3Sixty Shows brings extensive experience in producing high-profile Indian entertainment events in the United States, including the recent Hrithik Roshan tour, and is currently managing upcoming concerts such as Aghori Muzik, Purva Mantri and Abhijeet Bhattacharya. We remain fully committed to transparency and cooperation with FWICE to address any concerns and ensure the integrity of our events.”

The statements collectively underscore Badshah’s commitment to maintaining ethical and transparent practices for his international tour, while reaffirming that the Dallas concert is fully managed by U.S.-based entities, dispelling allegations of foreign sponsorship.

Also Read: Badshah resumes the beat with ‘The Unfinished Tour’ in 2025 across the U.S

Bobbi Brown has unveiled its debut bridal campaign in India with brand ambassador Tara Sutaria as the face of the initiative, marking a milestone moment for the global beauty label in a market where weddings are both a tradition and an emotion. Titled #YourBestBridalGlow, the campaign celebrates the power of authenticity, urging brides to embrace their most natural, confident selves on the day they will remember forever.

Bridal beauty, long synonymous with heavy transformation in India, takes on a new meaning with Bobbi Brown’s philosophy of enhancing rather than masking. “I’ve always believed that bridal beauty should feel deeply personal – the truest, most beautiful version of yourself on a day you will forever remember,” Sutaria said at the launch. “Every bride wants to walk down the aisle feeling confident, cherished and like herself. This campaign isn’t about transforming yourself but honouring who you are and enhancing your natural beauty. Keeping this in mind, we have thoughtfully crafted a campaign that we hope feels authentic to Indian brides and resonates with our consumers.”

At the heart of the campaign is Bobbi Brown’s wedding-day artistry, a skin-first approach that highlights radiance without overstatement. The brand’s lineup of bridal essentials plays a starring role in this vision, offering brides a seamless blend of nourishment, coverage and elegance. From skin-prepping bases to weightless foundations, flawless concealers, and long-lasting eyeliners, the collection is designed to create a polished yet natural look. Sutaria herself embodies this philosophy, carrying forward Bobbi Brown’s global legacy of wearable, timeless beauty.

But the campaign goes beyond products. Bobbi Brown India has also introduced a bespoke Bridal Trousseau Service, a first-of-its-kind offering for the Indian consumer. Brides-to-be are invited into stores to curate their own dream wedding beauty kit with the guidance of expert artists. Each session includes a personalised masterclass in three signature bridal looks, tailored to different occasions and personal preferences. As part of the experience, brides receive a beautifully designed bridal trousseau box as a keepsake, with the entire service value redeemable in products — making it an indulgent yet practical investment.

With this launch, Bobbi Brown India is not just positioning itself as a go-to for bridal makeup, but also as a brand that understands the deeply emotional journey of a bride. By choosing authenticity over ornamentation, the campaign redefines bridal beauty for the modern Indian woman, making it more personal, more elegant, and more true to her story.

Also Read: Tara Sutaria says Apurva changed her life, plans return to stage with concert series: “Live music, big concerts, gala evenings – these are things that I want to put my energy into”

Despite a sharper-than-expected decline in moviegoers during FY25, PVR Inox — India’s largest multiplex chain — managed to keep revenues afloat by leaning into its Food & Beverage (F&B) offerings, according to company filings and annual reports. The cinemas business faced headwinds from a fallout of the 2023 Hollywood strikes and a softer line-up of mainstream Indian films. Footfalls dropped significantly — ticket sales earnings plunged from Rs. 3,258 crore in FY24 to approximately Rs. 2,942 crore last year, accounting for a Rs. 316 crore fall. Admissions fell nearly 10%, shrinking from 15.14 crore to 13.69 crore overall.

Yet the silver lining came from concessions. Not only did the average ticket price remain stable at Rs. 259, but the average spend per customer on F&B rose 1.5% — from Rs. 132 to Rs. 134. This helped F&B income decline at a lower rate of around Rs. 153 crore, compared to the sharper drop in ticketing revenue. Overall, cinema food revenues dropped from Rs. 1,886 crore to Rs. 1,733 crore. The company clearly doubled down on its F&B business as a growth lever. It launched its first proprietary brand, ‘Dog Father’ hot dogs and rolled out non-vegetarian menus across 116 Inox screens. In a strategic pivot beyond cinemas, PVR Inox entered a joint venture with Devyani International to operate food courts in malls — one has launched in Kota, Rajasthan, with 7 to 9 more planned in FY26.

The home delivery and outdoor catering segments too showed momentum, with aggregator-led deliveries increasing 20% to an average Rs. 2 crore per month in sales. A standout success came from a key snack investor, Zea Maize, which owns the premium popcorn brand ‘4700 BC.’ Its revenues surged nearly 35%, reaching Rs. 102 crore in FY25. With expansion plans into retail and modern trade, the brand is tapping into India’s rapidly growing snacks sector, projected to double from Rs. 45,000 crore in FY23 to Rs. 85,000 crore by 2030. Premium offerings in the segment are forecast to grow even faster.

To facilitate this boost, PVR Inox invested Rs. 44.7 crore in Zea Maize during FY25, earmarking funds for production scale-up as well as hiring leadership for sales and marketing.

Amid the cinema slowdown, PVR Inox’s adaptive strategy underscores the shift toward an integrated entertainment experience — one where popcorn and concessions play a key role in driving business even when ticket sales dip.

Also Read: PVR INOX ignites screens with fiery Kantara-themed logo ahead of Chapter 1 release

Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar recently shared an introspective note with fans, teasing his upcoming projects and giving a glimpse into his mindset ahead of 2026. The director, known for shaping some of Bollywood’s most iconic dramas, reflected on the past year, describing it as one of “internal revaluations, revelations and resolutions.”

In his candid social media post, Johar wrote, “The Sun … the Sea…. The Clarity … The last year has been a year of internal revaluations, revelations and resolutions…. It almost feels like the onset of the 2.0 version of my life… where you value what you truly have and feel for and the rest you slowly dissolve into emotional oblivion… 2026 is the year I will be back on set.. a promise I have made to myself… because that is not only my happy space and place but also my only calling in life… to tell stories with all the prerequisites of good old fashioned Hindi cinema… it’s in my DNA so why run away from it …( or try to please a bunch of people I don’t know ) The above may sound like a melange of random thoughts but it comes with so much clarity!!!! Seizing the moment not just the day… Love you all …”

Johar’s message signals a rejuvenated focus on filmmaking, promising audiences a return to the storytelling style that has defined his career. The filmmaker’s reflection resonates with many in the industry, as he highlights the importance of valuing genuine passions and letting go of distractions or external pressures.

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This year, Dharma Productions remained active across multiple platforms. The production house released a series of dramas for OTT audiences, including Nadaaniyan, Aap Jaisa Koi, and Sarzameen, while also delivering theatrical films like Kesari Chapter 2 and Dhadak 2. Despite the busy slate, Johar’s note suggests that he is looking forward to personally stepping back onto the set in 2026, reclaiming his creative space and immersing himself in hands-on storytelling once again.

KJo’s post, full of introspection and emotional honesty, reflects a man eager to embrace a “2.0” version of his life while staying true to his cinematic roots. As Karan Johar gears up for the next phase of his career, industry watchers are eager to see what projects he unveils and how he continues to shape Bollywood’s landscape in the coming year.

Also Read: Karan Johar opens up about Saiyaara defying industry expectations; says, “Suddenly, every logic, academia, information you have to trade goes out of the window”

Vivek Agnihotri directorial The Bengal Files witnessed a fresh controversy as Shantanu Mukherjee, grandson of celebrated Bengali freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, filed a police complaint against the filmmaker. The grievance comes in response to the trailer of Agnihotri's upcoming political drama, unveiled on August 16, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the "Great Calcutta Killings," also known as 'Direct Action Day.'

According to Shantanu Mukherjee, the film inaccurately portrays his grandfather, calling him “Kashai” (meaning butcher) and “Patha” (meaning goat), terms he describes as deeply disrespectful. "My grandfather was an important figure in the freedom movement, working alongside prominent leaders, with his ideology aligned with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. To label him in such derogatory terms is not only historically inaccurate but also offensive to our family and the community," Shantanu stated in a statement reported by India Today.

In protest, Shantanu has sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and lodged a formal FIR demanding a public apology. He expressed frustration that the filmmakers failed to consult the family or verify historical facts before the release of the trailer. "I think Vivek Agnihotri should research more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He has not contacted us either. That's why we are protesting and will continue to do so," he said.

The film, which is the third installment in Agnihotri’s "Files Trilogy" following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), revolves around the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. It seeks to depict the events as genocide and highlights how these historical atrocities were allegedly silenced or ignored in mainstream narratives. The trailer's release on the anniversary of the tragedy has added emotional weight and intensified public scrutiny.

Film analysts note that Agnihotri’s projects often stir debate for their portrayal of historical events, and this latest controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding depictions of real-life freedom fighters. Historians and community leaders have echoed Shantanu’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of responsible storytelling when representing figures who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement.

The dispute raises critical questions about the responsibility of filmmakers to consult families and historians before dramatizing historical events. Whether the controversy will lead to edits in the film or a formal apology remains to be seen, but the FIR and legal notice signal that the debate is only just beginning.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files trailer stopped in West Bengal; says, “Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land”

On Saturday, the trailer launch of Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming and much-debated film The Bengal Files, which depicts the 1946 Calcutta communal riots, was halted at a luxury hotel in Kolkata. The move was met with little surprise, given the sensitive subject matter and the expected backlash. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is known for its strong stance on protecting the state’s minority community.

A senior Trinamool leader, who is also a veteran actor, told this writer on condition of anonymity, “It is unlikely Agnihotri’s film will be released in West Bengal. He has a reputation for being a troublemaker. The Kashmir Files stirred up disturbing anti-Muslim sentiments. That won’t be allowed to happen here.”

Responding to the incident, Vivek Agnihotri took to social media, tweeting, “With anguish I inform you: Today West Bengal police, on orders of ‘top authorities’, illegally stopped the trailer of #TheBengalFiles. First theatres, now even a private hotel.”

Later, speaking further on the controversy, Agnihotri remarked, “Who fears the truth of Hindu genocide? And why? Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land. The trailer is now being seen all over the country, but since it is based in Bengal, we wanted its launch here. They don’t want the atrocities on Bengali Hindus in 1946 and the fightback of people like Gopal Mukherjee to be shown in cinema. If it is a part of history, do you want to change history? There can be only one reason behind such a move — to ignore the conspiracy to divide Bengal again.”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who essays the role of Mahatma Gandhi in The Bengal Files, also came forward in support of the film. Speaking exclusively to this writer, Kher said, “The Bengal Files tells only the truth. Why fear the truth?”

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri launches The Bengal Files trailer on Direct Action Day in Kolkata – Here’s why the date matters

Last month, reports came in that a sequel to Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) is in the offing and that Huma Qureshi is in talks to play the lead role. Bollywood Hungama has learned some interesting aspects about this exciting project.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Dibakar Banerjee directed Khosla Ka Ghosla; it was also his first directorial venture. However, he won’t be helming the sequel. Umesh Bist, who made the much-loved Pagglait (2021), starring Sanya Malhotra, and who also directed the 2024 acclaimed Zee5 show Gyaarah Gyaarah, has stepped in as the director of Khosla Ka Ghosla 2.”

The source further said, “The makers are confident of Umesh Bist’s direction abilities. He managed to get the dark humour aspect correctly in Pagglait and also excelled in the emotional scenes. Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 also has wicked humour and a family angle and hence, they feel that Umesh will surely do justice.”

Regarding the casting, the source revealed, “Huma Qureshi was in talks. However, the talk hasn’t materialized and she’s no longer doing the film. A hunt is on for the female lead.”

However, Boman Irani, who played the antagonist in Khosla Ka Ghosla, has come on board. In an interview with Bombay Times on August 10, Boman Irani confirmed that he’s doing the film and also stated, “I am very excited for the sequel. And for the first time and after a long time, I am fearful. We don’t want to make a weak effort to ruin a legacy. We have to work really hard to maintain that legacy of the film that it stood for.”

About Khosla Ka Ghosla

The first part tells the story of Kamal Kishore Khosla (Anupam Kher), who lives with his family in Delhi. He invests his hard-earned money, amounting to Rs. 30 lakhs, to buy a plot of land in South Delhi. Trouble arises when a powerful builder, Kishan Khurana (Boman Irani), usurps this plot of land and agrees to transfer it to Khosla's name only if he pays him Rs. 15 lakhs. This is when Khosla's sons and family friends come up with a novel and amusing plan to teach Khurana a lesson.

Also Read: REVEALED: Huma Qureshi looks menacing in the first look of Baby Die Do Die; also has a Badlapur connection

Netflix, in collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., has unveiled the much-anticipated first look of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, marking Aryan Khan’s official directorial debut. The streaming giant shared a teaser across its social media platforms, giving audiences a first taste of what promises to be an unconventional, high-energy series.

The teaser opens with a voiceover reminiscent of the romantic tone from his father Shah Rukh Khan starrer classic Mohabbatein, evoking nostalgia for Bollywood’s golden era. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts, landing a biting punchline that signals a departure from convention. While the voice might faintly remind audiences of Shah Rukh Khan, the delivery, intent, and freshness is introduced by none other than Aryan showcasing his uniqueness.

With this teaser, Aryan Khan steps into the limelight as a storyteller in his own right. His opening words in the video encapsulate the essence of the show: “Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga, bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.” The line suggests that the series will celebrate Bollywood’s charm while also critiquing its clichés, blending reverence with rebellion.

Described as “fun, filmy, aur thoda zyaada,” the show aims to straddle the line between homage and satire. It promises to be provocative yet rooted, stylised yet chaotic, bringing forward a voice that represents a generational shift in how Bollywood stories are told and consumed.

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The series features an ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. With such a diverse lineup, expectations are high for a multi-layered narrative packed with drama, humour, and self-awareness.

Behind the scenes, The Ba***ds of Bollywood has heavyweight backing. Gauri Khan serves as the producer, while Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma take on the role of executive producers. Aryan Khan co-created the series along with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, with the trio also credited as writers.

The teaser concludes with Netflix’s announcement that a detailed preview of the series will be released on August 20, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about debuts in recent memory.

As anticipation builds, Aryan Khan’s first project signals not only a personal milestone but also the arrival of a new narrative voice - one that dares to playfully dissect the very industry it was born into.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan treats fans to a surprise; announces the teaser drop of the directorial debut of his son Aryan Khan on August 17

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the man behind The Kashmir Files, has unveiled the trailer of his next hard-hitting drama The Bengal Files. Produced by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, the film is part of the acclaimed Files trilogy and promises to be the director’s most daring work yet. The trailer launch took place in Kolkata on August 16, 2025 — a date deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Direct Action Day, one of the darkest chapters in India’s pre-independence history.

On August 16, 1946, a call by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland spiraled into mass communal violence in Calcutta, leading to large-scale killings and destruction. Remembered from that time is Gopal Mukherjee, who mobilized local youth to defend Hindu communities. Speaking on the significance of the date, Agnihotri said, “We have chosen this day for the trailer launch, considering what happened on 16th August 1946 in Calcutta. While the protest by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland escalated massively and led to the genocide of many Hindus, Gopal Mukherjee stood as a wall in defense of Hindus. So, as a tribute to them and to highlight the current scenario in Kolkata, we have decided this.”

The trailer of The Bengal Files doesn’t whisper — it roars. Set against the backdrop of West Bengal’s violent political past, it brings forward testimonies, chilling visuals, and dialogues that cut deep. In one of the most jarring moments, a voice declares, “Yeh Pachim Bangal hai, yaha do constitution chalta hai, ek Hinduao ka, ek Musalmanon ka.” Another asserts, “Sirf Zameen ka tukda nahi, Bharat ka light house hai Bangal.”

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri said, “The Bengal Files is a wake-up call… a roar that we will not let Bengal become another Kashmir. We decided to launch the trailer in Kolkata to bring authenticity to the portrayal of untold story of Hindu Genocide and you will witness a glimpse of it in the trailer. The nation should prepare… because if Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you.”

Pallavi Joshi, who also stars in the film, added, “This is yet another face of reality we are bringing to society — something people truly need to see. The Bengal Files trailer is an attempt to take the audience closer to the haunting reality the film will portray. Every performance in this film comes from a place of deep truth, making the story even more powerful. It’s impactful cinema with the zeal to reveal a truth the nation has long forgotten. I hope the trailer receives the same love and warmth that our teaser did.”

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty echoed the sentiment, stating, "The Bengal Files is everything the audience never expected. For me, this is what cinema is for, making a difference and showing what people need to see. I tell you, I am representing all of you. This character has always brought me closer to you, and it will do the same for you as well."

Producer Abhishek Agarwal reinforced the mission behind the project: “The Bengal Files is not just a film. It is our sincere and uncompromising effort to bring forth the buried truths and forgotten history of Bengal to the people of this great nation. What happened in Bengal deserves to be in the public domain, and we are committed to telling the truth without yielding to any pressure or agenda. The overwhelming love and support we’ve received during our USA premieres only reaffirms the film’s relevance and urgency. I believe every Indian, no matter where they live, will be deeply moved by this story. When we choose to remain silent in the face of atrocities, we risk committing a greater injustice to the victims. As a nation, we stood united for The Kashmir Files. Now is the time to stand together and show the same solidarity for The Bengal Files.”

As the trailer closes, a chilling line echoes: “Kyu Azaadi ke 80 saal baad bhi hum ussi communal politics se ladh rahe hai? Kya hum aazad hai?”

The Bengal Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. Written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, it is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Agnihotri himself, with a worldwide release by Zee Studios. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha, the film arrives in theatres on September 5, 2025.

Also Read: The Bengal Files trailer to be launched with War 2 and Coolie in theatres

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-studded celebration as Indian cinema’s finest talents were honoured at the prestigious Awards Night. Applause, emotion, and pride filled the air as filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant drama Homebound emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging both Best Film and Best Director.

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was conferred with the coveted Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his unparalleled legacy and contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his win, Aamir Khan said, “I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell the stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of.”

Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional moment on stage as he won Best Actor (Male) – Film for I Want to Talk. Abhishek Bachchan, visibly moved after his Best Actor win, added, “Life has come a full circle for me. I came here in 2022 where I was feted with the excellence in cinema award for my body of work. But this is an emotional moment for me to get the best actor on this very stage and be recognised for my role in a film that’s extremely special to me. It was 3 years back in Melbourne at this same festival where Shoojit Da offered me this role in I Want To Talk. It was Shoojit Da who believed in me that I could pull off this role and this role is an ode to my father and my daughter because it’s about caring and raising a parent.”

The festival’s winners reflected the incredible diversity and depth of Indian storytelling across formats. Homebound was declared Best Film, while Neeraj Ghaywan won Best Director for the same. Angammal earned the title of Best Indie Film with Gugun Kigpen receiving a Special Mention for Boong. Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female) – Film for her performance in Angammal.

The television segment saw Black Warrant win Best Series, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking home Best Actor (Male) – Series for Paatal Lok Season 2, and Nimisha Sajayan winning Best Actor (Female) – Series for Dabba Cartel. Reflecting on the journey, Jaideep said "This award is truly overwhelming. To be recognized on an international platform like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is an honor I will cherish forever. Hathiram Chaudhary's journey has been an extraordinary one, and this award belongs to the entire team who poured their heart and soul into making Paatal Lok what it is today. I’m deeply grateful to the jury and, most importantly, to the audience for their love and support. This is for all of you."

Among the honorary recognitions, Arvind Swamy was celebrated with the Leadership in Cinema Award, Vir Das was honoured with the Disruptor Award, Aditi Rao Hydari was recognised for Diversity in Cinema, and Baksho Bondi won the Equality in Cinema Award. Arvind Swamy shared his happiness over the award and stated, “I’m still a student of cinema even though I have been given leadership in cinema for my work. If anyone offers me role even today that’s in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t do it, I always want roles that challenge me. I’m grateful for the recognition to be given the Leadership in Cinema award at IFFM 2025.”

Other categories included the short film  where Kalar Pencils by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar won Best Short Film (India), while Drifters by David Liu was awarded Best Short Film (Australia).

Now in its 16th edition, IFFM has once again reaffirmed its status as the largest Indian film festival outside of India, bringing together filmmakers, stars, and audiences in a grand celebration of cinema. The festival continues until August 24, with Homebound serving as the closing film.

Also Read: Aamir Khan inaugurates Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 with Gauri Spratt; unveils opening night film Baksho Bondi