IIFA Utsavam 2024 full list of winners: Aishwarya Rai wins Best Actress award, Mani Ratnam bags Best Director

Mani Ratnam, the celebrated filmmaker whose name is synonymous with excellence in storytelling, added yet another accolade to his already impressive list of achievements at IIFA Utsavam 2024. Winning the Best Director award for his latest magnum opus, Ratnam reaffirmed his position as one of the most visionary and influential directors in Indian cinema. Mani Ratnam’s win was a fitting acknowledgment of the director’s unique ability to craft stories that resonate across generations and geographies. From intense romantic dramas to political thrillers, his films have consistently been marked by deep storytelling, intricate characters, and a keen sense of realism. His latest directorial effort continued in that tradition, delivering a narrative that struck a chord with both critics and audiences. While Aishwarya Rai and Mani Ratnam’s wins were among the evening’s highlights, the IIFA Utsavam 2024 saw several other stars and filmmakers being honored for their work. Here’s a detailed look at the other big winners of the night: Suriya, a powerhouse performer known for his intense roles and incredible versatility, bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in a gripping Tamil drama. Suriya’s role, which demanded both physical and emotional depth, was widely praised for its authenticity and the actor’s commitment to the character. His win was met with widespread applause, as he continues to be one of the most respected actors in the Tamil film industry. Allu Arjun, often referred to as the “Stylish Star” of Telugu cinema, added yet another Best Actor trophy to his collection. Known for his energetic performances and charismatic screen presence, Allu Arjun’s role in the blockbuster hit received immense love from the audience. His ability to balance action, drama, and comedy made his performance stand out, solidifying his position as one of the leading actors in the Telugu industry. Mani Ratnam’s directorial masterpiece, Ponniyin Selvan II, was awarded the Best Film (Tamil). This epic historical drama, adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s celebrated novel, was one of the most ambitious projects of the year. The film’s grand scale, intricate storytelling, and rich performances made it a huge success, winning over critics and audiences alike. The film’s cast, including stars like Vikram, Karthi, and Aishwarya Rai, was praised for their roles in bringing this historical tale to life. The much-anticipated sequel to Pushpa, titled Pushpa: The Rise – Part 2, bagged the award for Best Film (Telugu). Starring Allu Arjun in the lead, the film was a commercial juggernaut and broke box office records. The gritty action drama, with its strong performances and intense storyline, was lauded for its mass appeal and has become one of the most iconic films in Telugu cinema in recent years. In the Malayalam film industry, 2018: Everyone is a Hero took home the Best Film (Malayalam) award. This film, based on real-life events surrounding the devastating Kerala floods, was praised for its emotional storytelling and outstanding performances. It highlighted the resilience of the people during one of the state’s worst natural disasters, and its recognition at IIFA Utsavam 2024 was well-deserved. Kantara, a film that resonated deeply with audiences due to its rooted storytelling and powerful performances, won the Best Film (Kannada) award. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the film became a cultural phenomenon, with its themes of tradition, folklore, and human emotions striking a chord with both Kannada-speaking audiences and beyond. The IIFA Utsavam 2024 also recognized the technical brilliance that goes into making a film. Several talented individuals were honored for their contributions in categories like Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Visual Effects. Cinematographer Ravi Varman was awarded for his breathtaking visuals in Ponniyin Selvan II. His ability to capture the grandeur of the historical setting while maintaining an intimate focus on the characters made his work a standout feature of the film. The music of Pushpa: The Rise – Part 2 was one of the most talked-about aspects of the film, and Devi Sri Prasad took home the Best Music Director award for his outstanding compositions. The film’s songs became chartbusters, and his energetic music.