Indian Film Festival of Melbourne: Here's the complete winners list!
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne held at the Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria, was a star-studded one in presence of Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan, Bhumi Pednekar, Nikhil Advani, Shoojit Sircar and many other dignitaries.
Anil Kapoor was recognised with the IFFM Excellence in Cinema Award. Quirky father-daughter comedy Piku', directed by Shoojit Sircar, dominated the evening, scooping top prizes for the categories of Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor. The Best Actor award was won by Piku's Irrfan Khan and Haider's Shahid Kapoor.
Commenting on the Best Actor Award IFFM judge Jill Bilcock said, "Irrfan Khan as Rana in Piku gave a wonderful restrained performance with great attention to detail and excellent comic timing. Irrfan is a master of the "slow burn", creating plenty of sexual tension and a character that owns the screen."
The heart-warming drama Kaaka Muttai(Crows Eggs), directed by M. Manikandan, won Best Indie Film, adding to its many honours from the National Film Awards, the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles and the Toronto International Film Festival. Kaaka Muttai follows two slum children whose all-encompassing desire is to taste a pizza. There is an encore IFFM screening on August 25.
Bhumi Pednekar won Best Actress for her role in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, which made its Australian premiere at IFFM and screens again on August 25. Jury member Andrew Anastiosias said, "Bhumi should be applauded for the unaffected earthiness, courage and natural humour she brings to the role of "Sandhya". Her portrayal of an unconventional heroine, who is confident and comfortable in her own skin, challenges the stereotypical images of the Hindi movie star and is sure to have a ripple effect throughout the industry. It is hard to believe that this is her debut. The honesty and joy in her performance made her my absolute favourite, and has won many hearts with audiences."
The Telstra People's Choice Prize for the Indian film with the highest Australian box office takings in 2014 went to PK' directed by Rajkumar Hirani which will be screened on August 18.
"Festival director Mitu Bhowmick-Lange said, "These awards reflect the extraordinary quality and diversity in today's vibrant Indian film industry. Equality is this year's festival theme and so many of these films share messages of hope and strength of the human spirit times of difficulty. We feel honoured to have so many of India's talented stars and filmmakers with us in Melbourne to celebrate the ability of film to cross borders and Indian Independence Day".
The awards were judged by a panel of Indian and Australian film industry figures including Simi Garewal, Rajeev Masand, Andrew Anastasios, Jill Bilcock, and Nikhil Advani.
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE AWARDS 2014 - WINNERS
Best Actor: Irrfan Khan - Piku/ Shahid Kapoor - Haider
Best Actress: Bhumi Pednekar-Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Best Director: Shoojit Sarkar-Piku
Best Film: Piku
Best Indie Film: Kaaka Muttai (Crows Eggs)
IFFM Excellence in Cinema: Anil Kapoor
Telstra People's Choice Award: PK
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