The crime thriller Drishyam 2 snatched the title of Best Picture at the International Indian Film Academy Awards, adding a layer of sheen to the sparkling ceremony. Held against the glittering backdrop of Abu Dhabi, the star-studded soiree defiantly illustrated Bollywood’s resilient spirit amidst its recent trials, injecting an intoxicating mix of vibrancy and splendor into Saturday evening.
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In a dazzling display of cinematic grandeur, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards unfurled in Abu Dhabi, casting a spotlight on the thriving Hindi film industry. The climax of the evening belonged to Abhishek Pathak, whose audacious reimagination of a Malayalam film classic captured the prestigious Best Picture award. The glittering gala, embroidered with four riveting hours of high-energy dance performances, brought together Bollywood’s finest, celebrating their achievements on an international stage.
Directorial virtuoso Ranganathan Madhavan won acclaim with the Best Director award for his stirring tale, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Screen idol Hrithik Roshan seized the Best Actor accolade for his performance in Vikram Vedha, while the vivacious Alia Bhatt was celebrated as Best Actress for her nuanced portrayal in Gangubai Kathiawadi.
The mythological epic, Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva, basked in its share of the limelight, clinching several awards including Best Supporting Actress for the charismatic Mouni Roy and Best Female Playback Singer for the melodious Shreya Ghoshal.
Hosted in Abu Dhabi for the second consecutive year, the IIFA awards sought to resonate with its international viewership, a move aptly reflecting the large Indian demographic within the UAE’s population of ten million.
In stark contrast to its impressive worth of $2.5 billion in 2019, Bollywood, positioned in Mumbai and revered as the globe’s most prolific film producer, has since confronted a significant plunge in ticket sales due to the pandemic. The rising dominance of streaming services, intensified competition from regional cinema, and an appetite for narratives that eclipse traditional song-and-dance formats have exacerbated this downturn.
Despite these challenges, Bollywood saw a beacon of hope as Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan shattered box office records. The global recognition of Indian cinema received a further boost when Naatu Naatu secured an Oscar for Best Song.
Jacqueline Fernandez, the radiant star, commented on the significance of IIFA: “It’s a symbiotic journey – pushing Indian cinema to meet international standards, while simultaneously propelling it onto the global stage.”
The event was punctuated with memorable moments, such as the flamboyant entry of Varun Dhawan in a golden ensemble and a mini-dune buggy, and the host Vicky Kaushal’s electrifying dance performance which sparked a wave of applause.
Dia Mirza, the celebrated actor and dedicated eco-activist, leveraged the event to underline urgent environmental concerns, a matter of increased significance with the impending COP28 United Nations climate conference in the UAE.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan was honored for his enduring contributions to Indian cinema. Anil Kapoor bagged the Best Supporting Actor for his role in Jugjugg Jeeyo, while Darlings took home the award for Best Original Story. Khushali Kumar made a victorious debut with Dhokha: Round D Corner, earning her the Best Female Debut title.
Having first graced London in 2000, the IIFA Awards have since journeyed across several countries, enabling fans worldwide to voice their support for their favorite stars via online voting.
With AFP
