The IIFA Utsavam 2024, an extravagant and much-anticipated event celebrating the best of South Indian cinema, was a star-studded affair held with grandeur and fanfare. This prestigious award ceremony, part of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, highlights the excellence in filmmaking from the four major South Indian film industries: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Known for its elaborate presentations, high-profile attendees, and acknowledgment of cinematic brilliance, the 2024 edition of IIFA Utsavam was no exception. This year’s ceremony was particularly special, as it celebrated the achievements of some of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, along with emerging talent from the South. The winners were selected across various categories, recognizing acting, directing, technical expertise, and creative storytelling. Among the most celebrated names of the evening were Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who won the Best Actress award for her stellar performance, and the iconic filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who bagged the Best Director award for his cinematic masterpiece. Let’s dive deeper into the event, the winners, and what made this year’s IIFA Utsavam a memorable celebration of cinema. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, an international icon and former Miss World, has long been revered for her beauty, talent, and ability to deliver powerful performances. At IIFA Utsavam 2024, she was honored with the Best Actress award for her extraordinary portrayal in a critically acclaimed film. This award marks another feather in her illustrious career, further cementing her place as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema. Aishwarya’s role in the winning film showcased her ability to breathe life into complex characters, portraying both vulnerability and strength with equal finesse. Her performance was hailed as a masterclass in acting, leaving audiences and critics alike in awe of her talent. Whether it’s the emotional depth she brought to the role or the elegance with which she handled the character’s challenges, Aishwarya once again proved her versatility and ability to connect with viewers on a deep level.
Mani Ratnam, the celebrated filmmaker whose name is synonymous with excellence in storytelling, added yet another accolade to his already impressive list of achievements at IIFA Utsavam 2024. Winning the Best Director award for his latest magnum opus, Ratnam reaffirmed his position as one of the most visionary and influential directors in Indian cinema. Mani Ratnam’s win was a fitting acknowledgment of the director’s unique ability to craft stories that resonate across generations and geographies. From intense romantic dramas to political thrillers, his films have consistently been marked by deep storytelling, intricate characters, and a keen sense of realism. His latest directorial effort continued in that tradition, delivering a narrative that struck a chord with both critics and audiences. While Aishwarya Rai and Mani Ratnam’s wins were among the evening’s highlights, the IIFA Utsavam 2024 saw several other stars and filmmakers being honored for their work. Here’s a detailed look at the other big winners of the night: Suriya, a powerhouse performer known for his intense roles and incredible versatility, bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in a gripping Tamil drama. Suriya’s role, which demanded both physical and emotional depth, was widely praised for its authenticity and the actor’s commitment to the character. His win was met with widespread applause, as he continues to be one of the most respected actors in the Tamil film industry. Allu Arjun, often referred to as the “Stylish Star” of Telugu cinema, added yet another Best Actor trophy to his collection. Known for his energetic performances and charismatic screen presence, Allu Arjun’s role in the blockbuster hit received immense love from the audience. His ability to balance action, drama, and comedy made his performance stand out, solidifying his position as one of the leading actors in the Telugu industry. Mani Ratnam’s directorial masterpiece, Ponniyin Selvan II, was awarded the Best Film (Tamil). This epic historical drama, adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s celebrated novel, was one of the most ambitious projects of the year. The film’s grand scale, intricate storytelling, and rich performances made it a huge success, winning over critics and audiences alike. The film’s cast, including stars like Vikram, Karthi, and Aishwarya Rai, was praised for their roles in bringing this historical tale to life. The much-anticipated sequel to Pushpa, titled Pushpa: The Rise – Part 2, bagged the award for Best Film (Telugu). Starring Allu Arjun in the lead, the film was a commercial juggernaut and broke box office records. The gritty action drama, with its strong performances and intense storyline, was lauded for its mass appeal and has become one of the most iconic films in Telugu cinema in recent years. In the Malayalam film industry, 2018: Everyone is a Hero took home the Best Film (Malayalam) award. This film, based on real-life events surrounding the devastating Kerala floods, was praised for its emotional storytelling and outstanding performances. It highlighted the resilience of the people during one of the state’s worst natural disasters, and its recognition at IIFA Utsavam 2024 was well-deserved. Kantara, a film that resonated deeply with audiences due to its rooted storytelling and powerful performances, won the Best Film (Kannada) award. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the film became a cultural phenomenon, with its themes of tradition, folklore, and human emotions striking a chord with both Kannada-speaking audiences and beyond. The IIFA Utsavam 2024 also recognized the technical brilliance that goes into making a film. Several talented individuals were honored for their contributions in categories like Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Visual Effects. Cinematographer Ravi Varman was awarded for his breathtaking visuals in Ponniyin Selvan II. His ability to capture the grandeur of the historical setting while maintaining an intimate focus on the characters made his work a standout feature of the film. The music of Pushpa: The Rise – Part 2 was one of the most talked-about aspects of the film, and Devi Sri Prasad took home the Best Music Director award for his outstanding compositions. The film’s songs became chartbusters, and his energetic music.
