IFFM 2025: ‘Stree 2’, ‘Homebound’, ‘Paatal Lok 2’ lead nominations
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), one of the world’s most prominent international showcases for Indian cinema, has announced its nominations for the 2025 edition. With a dynamic mix of mainstream juggernauts, indie darlings, and breakout OTT shows, this year’s lineup is a celebration of the sheer breadth and innovation in Indian storytelling.
Supported by the Victorian Government, IFFM 2025 will be held from August 14 to 24, with the highly anticipated awards gala scheduled for August 15. The festival is now in its 16th year and remains the biggest annual celebration of Indian cinema outside India.
Among the most nominated titles are Stree 2, Homebound, Baksho Bondi, and L2: Empuraan in the film categories, while Paatal Lok Season 2, Black Warrant, and Manorathangal have emerged as frontrunners in the OTT segments. Projects were considered for the award cycle from June 15, 2024, to June 14, 2025, with OTT selections restricted to platforms available in Australia.
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In the Best Film category, the nominations spotlight both high-concept blockbusters and poignant dramas. Vishal Bhardwaj’s Homebound, the futuristic epic Kalki 2898 AD, and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Malayalam thriller L2: Empuraan compete with the sharply political Maharaj and the crowd-favourite horror-comedy sequel Stree 2. Also in the mix are Meiyazhagan and Superboys of Malegaon, the latter earning nods for both Best Actor and Best Director.
The Best Indie Film category is especially rich this year, with titles like Village Rockstars 2 (Rima Das), Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox), and Feminichi Fathima standing out for their layered narratives and rooted storytelling. Assamese filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong and the Tamil-language Angammal—a film centring on intergenerational caste trauma—round out the powerful indie lineup.
Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa have both been nominated for Best Actor (Male) for their work in Homebound, a rare double nomination for a single film. Adarsh Gourav’s portrayal of a spirited young filmmaker in Superboys of Malegaon and Mohanlal’s return in L2: Empuraan also earned spots on the shortlist. In a surprise inclusion, newcomer Gugun Kipgen is nominated for his role in the tribal drama Boong.
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Among women, seasoned actors and newcomers share the spotlight. Best Actor (Female) nominees include Tillotama Shome (Baksho Bondi), Shraddha Kapoor (Stree 2), Kareena Kapoor Khan (The Buckingham Murders), and Sharmila Tagore for Puratawn. Bhanita Das, known for her work in Village Rockstars, is nominated again for the film’s sequel.
Streaming content continues to dominate audience conversations, and IFFM has responded with a competitive Best Web Series lineup that includes Paatal Lok Season 2, Black Warrant, Kota Factory Season 3, Manorathangal, and Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper.
Mammootty’s performance in Manorathangal—a Malayalam anthology series—earned him a Best Actor nod, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok 2), Manav Kaul (Tribhuvan Mishra), and Zahaan Kapoor (Black Warrant), among others. On the women’s side, Parvathy Thiruvothu (Manorathangal), Shabana Azmi and Nimisha Sajayan (Dabba Cartel), and Tillotama Shome (Tribhuvan Mishra) lead the pack.
Winners will be selected by an Australian jury chaired by filmmaker Garth Davis (Lion) and joined by acclaimed director and producer Nadia Tass, among others. The IFFM has consistently evolved into not just a celebration of Indian cinema, but a platform for cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said in a statement, “This year’s nominations reflect the complexity and courage of Indian storytellers across formats and languages. From megastars to debutants, from urban dramas to rural fables—every nomination carries the pulse of a changing India.”
As the countdown to the awards night begins, eyes will be on Melbourne, where global audiences will once again gather to applaud the evolving face of Indian cinema.
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