The 16th edition of Melbourne’s Indian Film Festival (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-staded festival of Indian cinema, which was recognized on its global stage. The evening was titled by Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’, which emerged as the biggest winner, increasing both the best film and the best director.

Ishaan Khat, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor starrer ‘Homebound’, is one of the most talked about films of the year, and its Twin wins its place as a 2025 standout.

Aamir Khan was awarded the prestigious excellence of the festival at the cinema award, which has been recognized by his permanent heritage and influence for decades. In his acceptance speech, he credited his colleagues and audiences to travel: “Filmmaking is an associate art, and this award is not possible without my writers, directors, co-stars and audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell stories and be a part of many stories.”

In the acting categories, Abhishek Bachchan took the best actor (man) for his role in ‘I Want to Talk’, while Geeta Kailasam won the best actor (female) for ‘Angammal’. Gugun Kigpen also found a special mention for his powerful performance in ‘Bong’.

Abhishek Bachchan reflected on his journey with the festival, called his victory an emotional milestone, “Life has come to me a full cycle. I came here in 2022, where I was brought with excellence in the cinema award. Now to get the best actor on the same stage, for a film that is very special for me, that is, that is,”

Veteran actor Arvind Swamy was recognized with leadership at the cinema award. In his acceptance, he emphasized his hunger for challenging roles, saying, “If someone gives me a role today that is in my comfort field, I will not do it; I always want roles that challenge me.”

See full list of IFFM 2025 Award winners:

• Best Film: Homebound
• Best Director: Neeraj Gaywan (Homebound)
• Best Indie Film: Angammal
• Best Actor (Men) – Film: Abhishek Bachchan (I want to talk)
• Special Mention – Best Actor (Men) – Film: Gugun Kigpen (Bong)
• Best Actor (Women) – Film: Geeta Kalasam (Angammal)
• Best Series: Black Warrant
• Best Actor (Men) – Series: Jaideep Ahlawat (Petal Folk Season 2)
• Best Actor (Women) – Series: Nimisha Sojayan (Dabba Cartel)
• Excellence in cinema: Aamir Khan
• Leading in cinema: Arvind Swamy
• Disruptive Award: Veer Das
• Diversity in cinema: Aditi Rao Hydari
• Equality in cinema: Bakho Bondi
• Best Short Film (India) – Kalar Pencil by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar
• Best Short Film (Australia) – David Liu drifters

IFFM is leading to its conclusion on August 24 as 2025, with ‘homebound’ to set on screen as the final film, the festival shines as a platform who is the Indian storytelling champion for the global audience.