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Rishab Shetty to Receive Leadership in Cinema Award at Melbourne Film Festival
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) will honour Kannada actor, writer and filmmaker Rishab Shetty with its Leadership in Cinema Award at the 2026 edition, which runs from 13 to 26 August. The award recognises Shetty as a “visionary whose work will continue to redefine the possibilities of contemporary Indian storytelling on the global stage”.
In a statement released by the festival, organisers highlighted Shetty’s contribution through the Kantara franchise. Produced by Hombale Films, the films fuse mythology, faith, ecology and human emotion with a visual style rooted in coastal Karnataka’s traditions and folklore. Worldwide theatrical earnings have surpassed ₹1,300 crore, placing the franchise among the highest‑grossing regional Indian series.
Shetty is attached to two projects slated for the festival’s Kannada showcase. He will play the title role in Jai Hanuman, directed by Telugu filmmaker Prasanth Varma, and will appear in a biopic of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, directed by Sandeep Singh, with Bhumi Pednekar as Belawadi Mallamma.
The IFFM’s 17th edition will feature a mix of Kannada feature films, documentaries and short films. The lineup opens with Ammang Haelbeda (Don’t Tell Mother), directed by Anoop Lokkur and premiered at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival, followed by the documentary Bhaavi (The Well) and two shorts, Mungarina Ette (Heralds of the Monsoon) and Pankaja, which showcase emerging regional voices.
Shetty responded to the honour in a statement accompanying the festival’s announcement: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Leadership in Cinema Award from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Storytelling has always been my way of celebrating our culture, our traditions and the communities that inspire us. It is incredibly meaningful to see stories rooted in our heritage resonate with audiences across the world. I look forward to being in Melbourne and celebrating the incredible diversity and strength of Indian cinema with fellow filmmakers and audiences.”
The festival’s release also noted that the award “will demonstrate that stories grounded in local culture can achieve universal appeal.” Founded in 2010 and presented by Film Victoria, the IFFM has a history of showcasing Indian cinema to Australian audiences, including Bollywood releases, independent films, regional cinema, documentaries and short‑film competitions.
Shetty’s career began with acting roles in Tuglak (2012) and Ulidavaru Kandante (2014). He made his directorial debut with Ricky (2016), followed by Kirik Party (2016), Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale (2018) and Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai (2018). His work on Kantara earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and positioned him as a leading figure in contemporary Kannada cinema.
The IFFM will host a series of screenings, conversations and cultural programming during the festival week. The Leadership in Cinema Award ceremony is scheduled for the opening day, 13 August. In addition to Shetty’s recognition, the festival will feature other notable Kannada titles and will provide a platform for regional filmmakers to engage with international audiences.
As the 2026 edition approaches, the festival’s focus on diverse Indian storytelling and the inclusion of high‑profile projects such as Jai Hanuman and the Shivaji biopic underscore the growing global interest in regional Indian cinema. The award to Rishab Shetty highlights the impact of Kannada filmmakers on the international stage and signals continued collaboration between Indian and Australian film communities.
The IFFM will conclude on 26 August, after which the festival’s programming and award outcomes will be reported in the Australian and Indian media. The event is expected to influence future film‑distribution partnerships and to strengthen the presence of Indian regional cinema in international markets.
In a statement released by the festival, organisers highlighted Shetty’s contribution through the Kantara franchise. Produced by Hombale Films, the films fuse mythology, faith, ecology and human emotion with a visual style rooted in coastal Karnataka’s traditions and folklore. Worldwide theatrical earnings have surpassed ₹1,300 crore, placing the franchise among the highest‑grossing regional Indian series.
Shetty is attached to two projects slated for the festival’s Kannada showcase. He will play the title role in Jai Hanuman, directed by Telugu filmmaker Prasanth Varma, and will appear in a biopic of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, directed by Sandeep Singh, with Bhumi Pednekar as Belawadi Mallamma.
The IFFM’s 17th edition will feature a mix of Kannada feature films, documentaries and short films. The lineup opens with Ammang Haelbeda (Don’t Tell Mother), directed by Anoop Lokkur and premiered at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival, followed by the documentary Bhaavi (The Well) and two shorts, Mungarina Ette (Heralds of the Monsoon) and Pankaja, which showcase emerging regional voices.
Shetty responded to the honour in a statement accompanying the festival’s announcement: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Leadership in Cinema Award from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Storytelling has always been my way of celebrating our culture, our traditions and the communities that inspire us. It is incredibly meaningful to see stories rooted in our heritage resonate with audiences across the world. I look forward to being in Melbourne and celebrating the incredible diversity and strength of Indian cinema with fellow filmmakers and audiences.”
The festival’s release also noted that the award “will demonstrate that stories grounded in local culture can achieve universal appeal.” Founded in 2010 and presented by Film Victoria, the IFFM has a history of showcasing Indian cinema to Australian audiences, including Bollywood releases, independent films, regional cinema, documentaries and short‑film competitions.
Shetty’s career began with acting roles in Tuglak (2012) and Ulidavaru Kandante (2014). He made his directorial debut with Ricky (2016), followed by Kirik Party (2016), Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale (2018) and Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai (2018). His work on Kantara earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and positioned him as a leading figure in contemporary Kannada cinema.
The IFFM will host a series of screenings, conversations and cultural programming during the festival week. The Leadership in Cinema Award ceremony is scheduled for the opening day, 13 August. In addition to Shetty’s recognition, the festival will feature other notable Kannada titles and will provide a platform for regional filmmakers to engage with international audiences.
As the 2026 edition approaches, the festival’s focus on diverse Indian storytelling and the inclusion of high‑profile projects such as Jai Hanuman and the Shivaji biopic underscore the growing global interest in regional Indian cinema. The award to Rishab Shetty highlights the impact of Kannada filmmakers on the international stage and signals continued collaboration between Indian and Australian film communities.
The IFFM will conclude on 26 August, after which the festival’s programming and award outcomes will be reported in the Australian and Indian media. The event is expected to influence future film‑distribution partnerships and to strengthen the presence of Indian regional cinema in international markets.
