Glitter, glory, and Telugu pride at SIIMA 2025 in Dubai

SIIMA 2025 in Dubai honoured Telugu cinema with Kalki winning Best Film, Allu Arjun Best Actor, Sukumar Best Director, and fresh talents Teja Sajja, Prashanth Varma shining alongside Rashmika Mandanna.

Hyderabad: Dubai witnessed a dazzling night of cinema, music, and star power as the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2025 rolled out its red carpet at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. The event, known for bringing together the best of South Indian cinema, celebrated the Telugu film industry with a line-up of winners that drew cheers, applause, and more than a few emotional moments.

This year’s awards carried a certain electricity in the air. Not just because of the grandeur of the stage, but because of the way Telugu cinema has been expanding its reach globally. From large-scale blockbusters to small but meaningful stories, the winners reflected a mix of star power and storytelling finesse.

A big win for Kalki
The night belonged to Kalki, which walked away with the coveted Best Film award. A visually stunning production, the film set new benchmarks for Telugu cinema. Its success at SIIMA reaffirmed its position as not just a box-office marvel but also a critical favourite.

Allu Arjun steals the spotlight

When Allu Arjun took the stage to collect the Best Actor award for Pushpa 2. Known for his charismatic screen presence and unmatched energy, his victory was hardly a surprise. Dressed in his trademark stylish flair, Arjun dedicated the win to his fans, whose loyalty continues to make him one of the most celebrated actors of his generation.

Critics shine a light on fresh talent
SIIMA has always been about more than just starry names, it’s also a stage that honours unique performances and daring storytelling. This year, Teja Sajja bagged the Best Actor (Critics) award for Hanu-Man, a recognition that drew special applause. Having carved a distinct space with his experimental choices, Teja’s win marked a proud moment for the new wave of Telugu cinema. On the directors’ front, Prashanth Varma clinched the Best Director (Critics) title for the same film, reminding audience that innovation and imagination will always have their place in storytelling.

Sukumar’s masterstroke
It wouldn’t be a complete SIIMA celebration without applauding one of the finest filmmakers of our times. Sukumar’s win as Best Director for Pushpa 2 reaffirmed his ability to blend commercial appeal with emotional depth. His work continues to influence the next generation of filmmakers who see in him a master of craft and conviction.

Celebrating performances across the spectrum

The acting honours didn’t stop there. Rashmika Mandanna claimed Best Actress(Pushpa 2), while Meenakshi Chowdhury was awarded Best Actress (Critics) for Lucky Bhaskar. Amitabh Bachchan, a towering figure in Indian cinema, was named Best Supporting Actor, while Anne Benn took home Best Supporting Actress, both for Kalki 2898 AD, making it a diverse mix of winners.

The event also celebrated music and technical brilliance. Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) was crowned Best Music Director for Pushpa 2, Ram Jogayya Sastry won Best Lyricist for Devara Part 1, while Shankar Babu Kandukuri and Shilpa Rao were recognised as Best Male and Female Singers for Pushpa 2 and Devara respectively. In technical categories, Ratnavelu walked away with Best Cinematographer, ensuring the backstage brilliance got its due.

Fresh faces, new dreams

If SIIMA is a showcase of excellence, it is equally a launchpad for newcomers. Pankhuri Gidwani and Bhagyashree Borse shared the honours for Best Debut Actress for Love Mouli and Mr Bachchan respectively, while Sandeep Saroj took home Best Debut Actor for Committee Kurrollu. Director Nanda Kishore Yemani won Best Debut Director for 35 Chinna Katha Kadu and producer Niharika Konidela was declared Best Debut Producer for Committee Kurrollu. Satya, with his impeccable timing, was named Best Comedian for Mathu Vadalara 2, and Kamal Haasan, in a powerful turn, won Best Villain for Kaliki 2898 AD.

A night to remember

The grandeur of SIIMA 2025 wasn’t just in the awards but in the way it highlighted Telugu cinema’s evolving journey. From stalwarts to fresh entrants, the winners proved that the industry is thriving on both legacy and innovation. With Dubai’s glittering skyline as the backdrop, SIIMA 2025 will be remembered as a night when Telugu cinema proudly took its bow on the global stage.