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New Delhi, July 9, 2026: The nominations for the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards have been officially announced, setting the stage for an exhilarating celebration of Indian cinema in Australia. This year’s lineup showcases a massive shift in the cinematic landscape, highlighting an eclectic mix of major commercial blockbusters, regional masterpieces, and streaming sensations. Taking center stage is Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara, which has emerged as a dominant force in the major categories. Meanwhile, the Best Actor race has shaped up to be a historic battleground, with heavyweights like Ranveer Singh and Dulquer Salmaan joining a fiercely competitive field of nominees.
Supported by the Victorian Government, the festival is scheduled to run from August 13 to August 23, 2026. As one of the largest international platforms dedicated to celebrating South Asian cinema, IFFM continues its tradition of bridging regional boundaries by honoring both theatrical releases and over-the-top (OTT) streaming content across multiple Indian languages.
Saiyaara Leads the Pack alongside Big-Ticket Contenders
Mohit Suri’s directorial venture Saiyaara has captured the jury’s attention, securing crucial nominations across premium categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and individual acting nods. The film’s impressive sweep reflects its widespread critical acclaim and emotional resonance, cementing it as a frontrunner for the festival’s highest honors.
However, the path to victory will not be easy. Saiyaara faces stiff competition in the Best Film category from a highly diverse group of nominees. Sharing the spotlight is Aamir Khan’s deeply anticipated Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that has generated immense industry buzz. Joining them is Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster prequel, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, which continues to enjoy immense momentum following its spectacular theatrical run.
The complete list of nominees for Best Film highlights a rich variety of storytelling traditions from across the subcontinent:
- Haq (Hindi)
- Jarann (Marathi)
- Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (Kannada)
- Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (Malayalam)
- Saiyaara (Hindi)
- Sitaare Zameen Par (Hindi)
- Sharthopor (Bengali)
- The Great Shamsuddin Family (Hindi)
In the Best Director category, Mohit Suri (Saiyaara) is locked in a high-stakes race against veteran filmmakers and visionaries who have redefined regional and mainstream cinema over the past year. The category features R.S. Prasanna for Sitaare Zameen Par, Rishab Shetty for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for the series System, Rima Das for the multilingual Not a Hero, Chandrasish Ray for Porshi, Ramalingam Gowtham for Members of the Problematic Family, and Shazia Iqbal for Dhadak 2.
A Star-Studded Clash in the Best Actor Category
The Best Performance (Male) category is undeniably the main attraction of the 2026 nominations, featuring an incredible mix of seasoned superstars, versatile regional icons, and fresh talent.
Ranveer Singh has thrown his hat into the ring with a power-packed performance in Dhurandhar, an action-thriller that holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. Facing off against him is pan-Indian star Dulquer Salmaan, who earned his spot in the race with a widely praised performance in the Tamil drama Kaantha.
Adding immense prestige to the category are two stalwarts of Indian cinema: Aamir Khan, nominated for his impactful role in Sitaare Zameen Par, and Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty, who delivered a chilling and masterful performance in KalamKaval: The Venom Beneath. Rishab Shetty also pulls double duty this year, earning a Best Actor nomination alongside his directorial nod for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
Rounding out the highly competitive field are breakthrough star Ahaan Panday, who earned a nomination for his performance in Saiyaara, veteran actor Sanjay Mishra for Vadh 2, and Bhuman Bhargav Das for his acclaimed work in the indie feature Not a Hero.
Equal Brilliance in Best Actress and Indie Cinema
The Best Performance (Female) category is equally packed with talent, showcasing exceptional narratives led by women. Newcomer Aneet Padda has landed a major nomination for Saiyaara, placing her alongside industry veterans. She will compete against powerhouse performers including Rani Mukerji for the gritty crime drama Mardaani 3, Yami Gautam Dhar for Haq, and Neena Gupta for Vadh 2. Regional cinema is well-represented here as well, with nominations for Kalyani Priyadarshan (Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra), Kirti Kulhari (Full Plate), Rajshri Deshpande (Baapya), and Rituparna Sengupta (Bela).
IFFM’s commitment to independent filmmaking remains strong with its Best Indie Film category, highlighting unique, low-budget stories that challenge traditional storytelling. Contenders this year include Ammang Haelbeda (Don’t Tell Mother), Kikkran De Phull, Members of the Problematic Family, and Rima Das’s Not a Hero.
Streaming Sections: Kohrra Season 2 Rules the ROOST
As streaming platforms continue to influence viewing habits worldwide, IFFM’s OTT categories have become a major draw. In the Best Series segment, the second season of Netflix’s critically acclaimed crime-drama Kohrra has emerged as a clear favorite, dominating the nomination list.
Kohrra: Season 2 faces competition from an impressive lineup of streaming hits, including Matka King, Sapne Vs Everyone, Perfect Family, and the historical drama Freedom at Midnight: Season 2.
The streaming acting categories are similarly competitive. The Best Performance (Male) – Series features standout turns by Barun Sobti (Kohrra: Season 2), Vijay Varma (Matka King), Kunal Kemmu (Single Papa), and Manav Kaul (Real Kashmir Football Club). In the Best Performance (Female) – Series category, Mona Singh (Kohrra: Season 2) leads a strong group that includes Huma Qureshi (Maharani: Season 4), Rasika Dugal and Shefali Shah (both for Delhi Crime: Season 3), and Swastika Mukherjee (Kaalipotka).
Looking Ahead to August
The winners across all categories will be chosen by an independent jury of prominent figures from the Australian film industry and global cultural sectors. Beyond the glamour of the awards ceremony, the 10-day festival will host a series of world premieres, exclusive screenings, masterclasses, and interactive panel discussions designed to foster deeper collaboration between the Australian and Indian film industries.
With Saiyaara leading a strong contingent of films and the Best Actor race featuring an elite lineup of talent, the 2026 IFFM Awards promise to be an unforgettable celebration of cinematic excellence.