Rishab Shetty Secures Double Win at IFFM 2026 for Kantara: Chapter 1
Actor and director Rishab Shetty achieved a major career milestone by securing two prominent trophies at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 for his film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
What Happened
During the IFFM 2026 ceremony in Melbourne, Rishab Shetty was awarded the Best Director prize for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. In addition to the directing honour, Shetty received the Leadership in Cinema Award, recognising his ongoing work as an actor-filmmaker presenting stories rooted in Indian culture, local communities, and traditional identities to wider audiences.
Speaking during the event, Shetty described the unpredictable and challenging process of making the film. He stated, “Kantara was a nightmare for us to execute. It was such a risk. We didn’t really think too much about it; we just went with the flow. But the Deva helped us reach this point and complete this film. I think I am very short of words.”
Key Highlights
- Best Director Win: Rishab Shetty took home the Best Director award at IFFM 2026 for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
- Leadership in Cinema: The festival presented him with the Leadership in Cinema Award for his contributions to cinema and regional storytelling.
- Notable Festival Talent: The festival’s Best Performance (Male) lineup featured actors including Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Ahaan Panday, Bhuman Bhargav Das, and Sanjay Mishra.
- Other Top Honours: The festival also recognised figures including Dulquer Salmaan, Kirti Kulhari, Vijay Varma, and Rasika Dugal among its top honours.
Why This Matters
The dual recognition at the Melbourne festival underscores the international platform gained by regional Indian storytelling. Shetty’s honours reflect a growing global interest in films that maintain strong cultural foundations and regional identities while connecting with diverse audiences across different geographies.
What to Watch Next
Audiences and industry observers will be tracking the ongoing international reception of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 as it continues its festival and commercial journey, alongside future directorial and acting projects from Rishab Shetty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which awards did Rishab Shetty win at IFFM 2026?
Rishab Shetty won the Best Director award for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and the Leadership in Cinema Award.
What did Rishab Shetty say about making the film?
Shetty shared that executing the film was a significant risk and described the process as demanding, adding that divine support helped the team complete the project.
Which other actors were featured in the festival’s performance categories?
The festival’s Best Performance (Male) category included Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Ahaan Panday, Bhuman Bhargav Das, and Sanjay Mishra.
Source: Bollywood Hungama