The 54th International Film Festival of India concluded in spectacular fashion with a star-studded closing ceremony that saw legendary actor Rajinikanth receiving one of the highest honors of the evening. The event, held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Goa, celebrated cinematic excellence while paying heartfelt tributes to industry veterans.
A Night of Honors and Recognition
The closing ceremony witnessed Rajinikanth being honored with the Icon of Golden Jubilee award, a prestigious recognition that highlighted his monumental contributions to Indian cinema. The veteran actor, dressed in his characteristic black suit, received a standing ovation as he accepted the award from Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur.
Meanwhile, veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, though his absence due to health reasons was notably felt throughout the ceremony. His son, actor Sunny Deol, accepted the award on his behalf, sharing emotional words about his father's legacy and current recovery journey.
Celebrity Presence and Musical Extravaganza
The ceremony transformed into a glittering affair with the presence of numerous Bollywood luminaries. Madhuri Dixit Nene served as the chief guest, adding grace and star power to the proceedings. The audience was treated to spectacular performances by several leading actors, including Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, and Ayushmann Khurrana, who set the stage on fire with their dance numbers and charismatic presence.
International representation was strong with French actress Irène Jacob serving as the guest of honor. The ceremony also featured captivating performances by Marathi actor-singer Amitraj and Punjabi singer-actor Gippy Grewal, showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of Indian cinema.
Competition Winners and International Recognition
The International Competition jury, chaired by renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, announced the winners across various categories. The Golden Peacock for the Best Film was awarded to the Iranian movie Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini. The award carried a cash prize of Rs 40 lakh, to be shared equally between the director and producer.
Spanish director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde received the Silver Peacock for Best Director for his film Sound of Freedom, earning a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh. Brazilian actor Jose Alvaro received the Best Actor (Male) award for his performance in Moscow, while Miki Mancerova won Best Actor (Female) for her role in Victim.
The festival's special jury award, which included a Silver Peacock and Rs 15 lakh, was presented to The Samurai of Tangier. The awards distribution was conducted by jury members including filmmakers Priyadarshan, Jinko Gotoh, and Catherine Dussart.
Special Moments and Emotional Tributes
One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Sunny Deol accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for his father Dharmendra. Sunny revealed that his 87-year-old father is currently recovering from a surgery and expressed the family's gratitude for the honor bestowed upon the veteran actor.
The ceremony also featured a special segment honoring the Best Web Series (OTT) awards, with Netflix's Kohrra and SonyLIV's Scam 2003: The Telgi Story receiving top honors. This recognition highlighted the growing importance and quality of digital content in the Indian entertainment landscape.
As the curtains fell on IFFI 2023, the event successfully celebrated both established legends and emerging talents, reinforcing India's position as a significant contributor to global cinema while honoring the artists who have shaped its rich cinematic heritage.
