IFFM 2025: Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound', Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Geetha Kailasam among honourees

 

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's new film Homebound took the Best Film and Best Director trophies at the latest edition of the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The Masaan director's film, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jetwa and Janhvi Kapoor, tells a tale of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village dreaming of a police job and the frustrating challenges they encounter along the way.

The event also saw Sitaare Zameen Par actor and producer Aamir Khan being honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award for his decades-long contribution to cinema.

ALSO READ: 'Sitaare Zameen Par' review: Aamir Khan's film doesn't break any new ground but its existence isn't without justification

In a statement, the superstar, who has a cameo appearance in Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie, 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." 

The male best actor prize went to Abhishek Bachchan, for his performance in Shoojit Sircar's I Want to Talk, and the female best actor performance winner is Geetha Kailasam, for Angammal, which also won the best indie film award.

ALSO READ: 'Black Warrant' review: Vikramaditya Motwane and team deliver a superbly acted, meticulously crafted true-crime drama

Abhishek, in a statement, said, "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 streaming categories saw some top names bagging awards too. The winners include: Vikramaditya Motwane's Black Warrant for best series; Jaideep Ahlawat for best actor (male) for Paatal Lok; Nimisha Sajayan won best actor (female) for Dabba Cartel.

The festival will conclude on August 24.

 

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