The 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) celebrated the best of Indian cinema by organising a spectacular award ceremony on Friday. 

Kartik Aaryan took home the Best Actor award for his performance in Chandu Champion. Even the film's director Kabir Khan won Best Director and shared the award with Nithilan Swaminathan for his work in Vijay Sethupathi's Maharaja. 

In addition, two films received special recognition for their outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail was acknowledged for its inspiring narrative, and Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was honoured for its approach and storytelling. 

Here's the list of winners:

Excellence in Cinema: Dr AR Rahman

Ambassador of Indian Art & culture: Ram Charan

Equality in Cinema: Dunki

Diversity Champion: Rasika Dugal

Disruptor in Cinema: Adarsh Gourav

Breakout Film of the Year - Amar Singh Chamkila

Short Film Competition - The Vegemite Sandwich and Special mention to Echo

Best Documentary - Trolley Times  

Best Film from the Subcontinent- The Red Suitcase from Nepal

Series

Best Series - Kohhra 

Best Actor in a Series - Arjun Mathur for Made In Heaven Season 2

Best Actress in a Series - Nimisha Sajayan for Poacher 

Best Film (Critics Choice) - Laapataa Ladies

Best Director (Critics Choice) - Dominic Sangma for Rimdogittanga (Rapture)

Best Performance of the Year (Critics) - Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail 

Jury Awards

Best Actress - Parvathy Thiruvothu for Ullozhukku (Undercurrent) 

Best Actor - Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion 

Best Director - Kabir Khan for Chandu Champion and Nithilan Swaminathan for Maharaja 

Best Film - 12th Fail