The South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2025 lit up Dubai with a dazzling celebration of cinematic brilliance, honoring the finest talents from Telugu and Kannada cinema. Held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the first day of the two-part ceremony saw powerhouse performances and technical finesse rewarded across categories. With Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna sweeping top acting honors for Pushpa 2: The Rule, and Kalki 2898 AD dominating the awards with multiple wins, the night was a testament to South cinema’s global rise.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the winners and the stories behind their triumphs.
Pushpa 2: The Rule Steals The Spotlight
Sukumar’s sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa once again proved its mettle, clinching major awards and reaffirming its cultural impact.
Highlights from the Telugu category:
• Best Actor: Allu Arjun for Pushpa 2: The Rule
• Best Actress: Rashmika Mandanna for Pushpa 2: The Rule
• Best Director: Sukumar for Pushpa 2: The Rule
• Best Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad for Pushpa 2: The Rule
• Best Singer (Male): Kandukoori Shankar Babu for Peelings
• Best Actor (Critics): Teja Sajja for HanuMan
Pushpa 2’s success was not just about star power—it showcased a compelling narrative, memorable music, and a gritty visual style that resonated across audiences.
Kalki 2898 AD Dominates With Depth And Drama
Nag Ashwin’s futuristic epic Kalki 2898 AD emerged as a critical and commercial favorite, bagging multiple awards across performance and technical categories.
Key wins for Kalki 2898 AD:
• Best Film: Kalki 2898 AD
• Best Villain: Kamal Haasan
• Best Supporting Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
• Best Supporting Actress: Anna Ben
The film’s genre-defying storytelling and ensemble cast made it a standout, with Kamal Haasan’s menacing portrayal and Amitabh Bachchan’s gravitas earning widespread acclaim.
Kannada Cinema Shines With Gowri And UI
The Kannada segment of SIIMA 2025 celebrated both veterans and newcomers, with films like Gowri and UI making a strong impression.
Notable Kannada winners:
• Best Actor (Male): Sudeep
• Best Actress (Female): Ashika Ranganath
• Best Director: Upendra Kumar for UI
• Best Film: Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi
• Best Debutant Actor: Samarjit Lankesh for Gowri
• Promising Newcomer: Sanya Iyer for Gowri
• Best Music Director: B Ajaneesh Loknath for MAX
The awards highlighted the diversity and innovation in Kannada cinema, with fresh voices and bold storytelling taking center stage.
Technical Brilliance And Behind-The-Scenes Talent Recognized
SIIMA 2025 also honored the unsung heroes of filmmaking—those who shape the visual, musical, and lyrical soul of cinema.
Technical and creative category winners:
• Best Cinematographer (Telugu): Ratnavelu for Devara
• Best Lyric Writer (Telugu): Ramajogaiah Sastry for Chuttamalle
• Best Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao for Chuttamalle
• Best Comedian: Satya for Mathu Vadhalara 2
• Best Debut Director (Telugu): Nanda Kishore Yemani for 35 Oka Chinna Katha
• Best Debut Producer: Niharika Konidela for Committee Kurollu
• Best Cinematographer (Kannada): Srivathsan Selvarajan for Ibbani Tabbida Illeyali
• Best Playback Singer (Female): Aishwarya Rangarajan
• Best Lyric Writer (Kannada): V Nagendra Prasad
These wins underscore the collaborative nature of cinema, where every frame and note contributes to the magic on screen.
Looking Ahead: Tamil And Malayalam Winners Await
While Telugu and Kannada winners have been announced, the Tamil and Malayalam categories will be revealed on the second day of the event. Leading the nominations are The Goat Life (Aadujeevitham), ARM, and Aavesham, promising another round of cinematic celebration.
Final thoughts:
• SIIMA 2025 showcased the evolving landscape of South Indian cinema
• Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD led the charge with powerful performances and visionary storytelling
• The awards honored both legacy and innovation, spotlighting emerging talent and industry veterans alike
Sources: Indian Express, Outlook India, Hindustan Times, Times of India.
