Rishab Shetty's Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is among the strongest contenders at the 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards 2026, with the Kannada epic earning nominations in multiple categories. The film is in the race for Best Film, while Rishab Shetty has been nominated for Best Actor, putting Kannada cinema firmly in the spotlight at one of the world's biggest celebrations of Indian cinema.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the largest festival dedicated to Indian cinema outside the country, has announced the nominations for its 17th edition, recognising the finest achievements in theatrical releases and streaming content from the past year. The festival will be held from August 13 to August 23 with the support of the Government.
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 will compete in the Best Film category alongside Haq, Jarann, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Saiyaara, Sitaare Zameen Par, Sharthopor, and The Great Shamsuddin Family. Rishab Shetty's nomination for Best Actor further underlines the film's growing international recognition and its impact beyond the Kannada film industry.
Along with major theatrical releases, several acclaimed independent films have also found a place in this year's line-up. The Best Indie Film category features Ammang Haelbeda (Don't Tell Mother), Full Plate, Kikkran De Phull (Flowers of Acacia), Lala and Poppy, Mayilaa – Semmalar Annam, Members of the Problematic Family, Not A Hero, and Pankhudiyaan (Petals in the Wind).
As one of the first major awards of the season, the IFFM Awards have built a reputation for celebrating the best of Indian cinema across regional industries and streaming platforms. Winners will be selected by an esteemed jury comprising leading figures from Australia's film and cultural landscape.
Beyond the awards, the festival will feature film premieres, special screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions and industry events, continuing its role as a global platform for Indian cinema.
For Kannada cinema, however, the focus will firmly be on Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. With Rishab Shetty and the film in the race for top honours, IFFM 2026 marks another international milestone for the much-celebrated franchise.