- The 16th edition of IFFM celebrates Indian cinema and OTT excellence.
- Stree 2, L2: Empuraan, and Superboys of Malegaon lead film nominations.
- Paatal Lok 2, CA Topper, and Manorathangal top the web series categories.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 has revealed its nominations, spotlighting some of the most impactful storytelling in Indian cinema and streaming content over the past year.
In the OTT space, the nominees reflect a dynamic shift in Indian storytelling, with a surge in complex characters and daring narratives.
India’s Cinematic Spectrum Shines Bright at IFFM 2025 with Film and OTT Nominations
Running from August 14 to 24, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 will culminate in a grand Awards Night on August 15. Supported by the Victorian Government, IFFM continues to act as a cultural bridge, celebrating Indian cinema’s global impact and growing relevance in the diaspora. This year’s selection includes projects released between June 15, 2024, and June 14, 2025, covering multiple Indian languages and genres.
Among regional titles, L2: Empuraan stands out as the only Malayalam film competing in the Best Film category, highlighting how regional industries are gaining international recognition. The film’s bold political themes and Mohanlal’s commanding performance have earned it both acclaim and controversy, setting it apart as a daring cinematic work in the festival circuit.
The Best Indie Film nominees—Village Rockstars 2, Angammal, and Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox)—demonstrate the strength of India’s grassroots filmmaking. These titles, often made with limited resources, bring intimate, culturally rich stories to international audiences. Their presence at IFFM is a nod to the growing appreciation for authenticity in cinema.
In performance categories, actors such as Kareena Kapoor Khan (The Buckingham Murders), Anjali Sivaraman (Bad Girl), Shraddha Kapoor (Stree 2), and veteran Sharmila Tagore (Puratawn) have been nominated for Best Actor (Female), showcasing the range of talent and narratives driven by women this year. These nominations reflect a strong year for nuanced female-led storytelling.
With its 2025 edition, IFFM once again reaffirms the global reach of Indian storytelling, blending commercial, regional, and indie voices into one powerful cinematic celebration.
“Cinema is a mirror by which we often see ourselves.” – Alejandro González Iñárritu
