IFFM 2024: Girls Will Be Girls, Laapataa Ladies Compete For Best Film; All Details

The nominations for the 15th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 have been unveiled, promising a diverse lineup of talent across various categories. Scheduled from August 15 to August 25, this year's festival showcases a rich tapestry of Indian cinema, highlighting both established names and emerging talents.

In the Best Actress category, the competition includes leading actresses from Bollywood and regional cinema. Alia Bhatt received a nomination for her role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, alongside debutant Alizeh Agnihotri for Farrey. Notable contenders also include Nitanshi Goel for Laapataa Ladies, Sanya Malhotra for Mrs., and Jyothika for her performance in Kaathal: The Core.

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 Nominations

The Best Film Nomination List for IFFM 2024 features a variety of exceptional works. The contenders include 12th Fail (Hindi), Amar Singh Chamkila (Hindi), Chandu Champion (Hindi), Dunki (Hindi), Jawan (Hindi), Maharaja (Tamil), Premalu (Malayalam), and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi). 

In the Best Film—Critics Choice category, the nominees are equally impressive. Dear Jassi (Punjabi), Girls Will Be Girls (English/Hindi), Kaathal: The Core (Malayalam), Kabuliwala (Bengali), Laapataa Ladies (Hindi), Rapture (Garo), Sapta Sagaradaache Ello: Side A (Kannada), and Thadavu (The Sentence) (Malayalam) are all in the running. These films have been recognised for their artistic merit and innovative storytelling.

Best Director Nominees

For Best Director, the nominees reflect the diversity and depth of Indian filmmaking. Renowned directors such as Imtiaz Ali (Amar Singh Chamkila), Kabir Khan (Chandu Champion), Karan Johar (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani), Rajkumar Hirani (Dunki), and Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail) are among those vying for the prestigious award. Also in contention are emerging talents like Nithilan Saminathan for Maharaja and Rahul Sadasivan for Bramayugam.

The Critics Choice categories add another layer, recognising directors and films that have made significant artistic impacts. Christo Tomy (Ullozhukku (Undercurrent)), Diwa Shah (Bahadur—The Brave), and Dominic Sangma (Rimdogittanga (Rapture)) are some of the directors nominated in this section, each celebrated for their unique storytelling and directorial vision. Additionally, Hemanth Rao (Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A), Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies), Saurav Rai (Guras), Shuchi Talati (Girls will be Girls), and Sumanth Bhat (Mithya) are also nominated.

In the OTT categories, the Best OTT Show nominees include a mix of genres and languages, showcasing the growing influence of digital platforms in Indian entertainment. Dhootha (Telugu), Heeramandi (Hindi), Made in Heaven 2 (Hindi), and The Railway Men (Hindi) are among the series competing for the top honours. 

Best Actress OTT Nominations

The Best Actress OTT category features acclaimed performances from Harleen Sethi (Kohrra), Neena Gupta (Panchayat Season 3), and Sobhita Dhulipala (Made in Heaven 2), among others.

The IFFM 2024 promises to be a celebration of Indian cinema's diversity and talent, recognising excellence across various genres and formats. As filmmakers and actors await the results, anticipation is high for the festival's grand event, set to take place in Melbourne, Australia.