# Lokah Chapter 1 wins Best Film at IFFM 2026

2026-08-14T07:40:02+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra won Best Film at the 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which announced its 2026 winners. Rishab Shetty won Best Director for Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 and also received the Leadership in Cinema award. Dulquer Salmaan won Best Actor for Kaantha, while Kirti Kulhari was named Best Actress for Full Plate. Rekha received the Excellence in Cinema award, and Rani Mukerji was recognised for completing 30 years in the industry. Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal won the acting awards for Matka King and Delhi Crime 3. Freedom At Midnight, Season 2 won Best Series, while Saiyaara received the People’s Choice Award. The festival opened in Melbourne with Shetty lighting the ceremonial lamp and a screening of the restored Umrao Jaan featuring Rekha.

## Coverage

- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/ampstories/entertainment/iffm-2026-winners-lokah-chapter-1-rishab-shetty-and-dulquer-salmaan-take-top-honours-4110767>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/iffm-2026-full-list-of-winners-rishab-shetty-wins-best-director-for-kantara-rekha-honoured-for-excellence-in-cinema-101786685742936.html>
- bollywoodhungama.com <https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/rishab-shetty-opens-iffm-2026-in-melbourne-rekha-attends-screening-of-restored-umrao-jaan/>

Tags: Dulquer Salmaan, IFFM 2026, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Kirti Kulhari, Rekha, Rishab Shetty
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