08 July,2026 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aamir Khan and Mammootty (Pictures via Facebook)
Several of Indian cinema's biggest stars and films have earned nominations for the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), with Aamir Khan, Mammootty, Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 and several acclaimed projects competing across major categories.
The nominations celebrate outstanding achievements in Indian cinema and streaming content over the past year, recognising performances and storytelling from across languages. The winners will be announced during the festival, which is scheduled to take place in Melbourne later this year.
Among the most prominent nominees is Aamir Khan, who has received a nomination in the Best Actor category for his performance in Sitaare Zameen Par. Malayalam superstar Mammootty has also been recognised for his critically acclaimed performance in Kalamkaval, while several other leading actors have secured nominations for their standout roles.
Rishab Shetty's much-awaited Kantara: Chapter 1 has emerged as one of the biggest contenders at the awards. The film has received nominations in key categories, reflecting the anticipation and appreciation surrounding the Kannada epic even before its release. The nominations further reinforce the growing global recognition for regional Indian cinema.
Sharing the announcement, the festival organisers highlighted the diversity of this year's nominees, featuring films and web series from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and other Indian languages. The line-up showcases stories spanning commercial entertainers, independent films and digital content, underlining the expanding international appeal of Indian entertainment.
The streaming categories are equally competitive, with several acclaimed web series receiving nominations for their performances, direction and writing. The festival continues to honour both theatrical releases and OTT productions, acknowledging the changing landscape of Indian storytelling.
Speaking about this year's nominations, the organisers said the selections reflect the creativity and cultural richness of Indian cinema. They added that the festival remains committed to celebrating artists whose work has resonated with audiences across the globe.
Over the years, IFFM has established itself as one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside the country. The annual festival brings together filmmakers, actors and cinema lovers from around the world, providing a platform to recognise excellence across multiple languages and genres.
With an impressive list of nominees featuring some of the industry's biggest names, the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne promises to be a star-studded affair. Fans will now eagerly await the winners as Indian cinema continues to make its mark on the global stage through acclaimed performances, powerful storytelling and diverse cinematic voices.
