IIFA Utsavam 2024-The prestigious IIFA Utsavam 2024 kicked off in spectacular fashion at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, celebrating the very best of South Indian cinema. The three-day event, which began on Friday, brought together stars from both the South and North Indian film industries for an unforgettable night. The opening night, dubbed IIFA Utsavam, focused on honoring the cinematic achievements from Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam film industries. South actors Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja took on hosting duties, making it a night filled with glamor, entertainment, and top-tier performances.
A Star-Studded Affair
Celebrities from across the Indian film industry graced the event with their presence. Among those attending were cinematic legends and crowd favorites such as Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh Daggubati, Mani Ratnam, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Bollywood stalwarts like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kriti Sanon, Javed Akhtar, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, and Ananya Panday. The event radiated star power as these iconic names united to celebrate Indian cinema on a global platform.
The Big Winners of the Night- IIFA Utsavam 2024
The major highlight of IIFA Utsavam was undoubtedly the announcement of the winners across various categories. The Tamil blockbuster “Jailer” took home the coveted Best Picture award, cementing its status as one of the top films of the year. Here’s a look at some of the biggest winners of the night:
- Best Picture (Tamil): Jailer
- Best Actor (Telugu): Nani for Dasara
- Best Actor (Tamil): Vikram for Ponniyin Selvan: II
- Best Actress (Tamil): Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for Ponniyin Selvan: II
- Best Director (Tamil): Mani Ratnam for Ponniyin Selvan: II
- Best Music Director (Tamil): AR Rahman for Ponniyin Selvan: II
Special Honors and Achievements
The event also recognized several key figures in Indian cinema for their outstanding contributions. Chiranjeevi was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award, while the Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema accolade was given to veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of South cinema’s biggest stars, was named Woman of the Year in Indian Cinema, highlighting her influence and success in recent years.
Performances in Negative Roles
The IIFA Utsavam also paid tribute to the darker characters in cinema. SJ Suryah won the Best Performance in a Negative Role (Tamil) for his work in Mark Antony, while Shine Tom Chacko took home the Best Performance in a Negative Role (Telugu) for Dasara. Meanwhile, Arjun Radhakrishnan earned recognition for his chilling performance in Kannur Squad, winning the Best Performance in a Negative Role (Malayalam) award.
Supporting Role Awards
The night also celebrated the efforts of supporting actors who added depth and nuance to their films. Jayaram won the Best Supporting Actor (Male – Tamil) award for his role in Ponniyin Selvan: II, while Sahasra Shree earned the Best Supporting Actress (Female – Tamil) honor for Chithha.
Golden Legacy and Debut Recognitions
Among the special recognitions, Nandamuri Balakrishna was bestowed with the prestigious Golden Legacy Award, highlighting his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. The Outstanding Excellence in Kannada Cinema award went to actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty, while newcomer Aradhana Ram won the Best Debut (Female – Kannada) for her performance in Kaatera.
The Main Event: September 28
As the event continues, the main awards night is set to take place on September 28, promising even more excitement. Hosted by Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, with Vicky Kaushal joining them onstage, the night is poised to be a grand spectacle. Fans can also look forward to performances by Shahid Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Kriti Sanon, who will be putting on electrifying performances.
Rekha’s Special Performance
Adding to the glamour, veteran actress Rekha will be treating fans to a special 22-minute dance performance. The legendary actress will share the stage with 150 background dancers, all dressed in custom-made Manish Malhotra ensembles. Ahead of her performance, Rekha shared her excitement, stating, “IIFA holds a special place in my heart, representing not just a celebration of Indian cinema but a vibrant fusion of art, culture, and love on a global stage,” as quoted by India Today.
The IIFA Utsavam 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable celebrations of Indian cinema, especially for South Indian films. With record-breaking wins for films like Jailer and Ponniyin Selvan: II, alongside recognition for industry veterans like Chiranjeevi and Mani Ratnam, the event is a testament to the exceptional talent and creativity within the Indian film industry. As the awards continue, fans around the globe eagerly await the main event, which promises to offer even more entertainment, excitement, and unforgettable moments.