50 Glorious Years Honoured: Rajinikanth Steals IFFI 2025 Spotlight with Family Glow

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) dazzled to a close in Goa with Tamil icon Rajinikanth honoured for five decades of cinematic brilliance. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented the Lifetime Achievement Award—a shawl and memento—celebrating Rajinikanth's journey from 1975 debut to 170+ films that redefined stardom. Accompanied by family, the 74-year-old superstar delivered an emotional speech: "50 years feels like 10-15; in 100 janams, I'd reborn as Rajinikanth," crediting Tamil fans as "gods who keep me alive." The event drew Ranveer Singh, Dhanush, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Ramesh Sippy.​

 

IFFI showcased 240+ films from 81 countries, with 13 world premieres. Ash Mayfair's "Skin of Youth" clinched Best Film; Santosh Davakhar's Marathi "Gondhal" took Best Director. Tributes remembered Dharmendra, Shyam Benegal, and others via performances including Yakshagana.

 

Award Highlights:

Festival Impact:

Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, India Today, Mathrubhumi​