Dubai played host to the 2025 South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA), honouring the finest in Tamil and Malayalam cinema on the Day 2 of the event. The event celebrated exceptional films, actors, and technicians, drawing the industry’s top talents for a glamorous Saturday evening.

In the Tamil category, ‘Amaran’ and ‘Lubber Pandhu’ emerged as major winners, while Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life’ dominated the Malayalam segment. The awards recognised both established stars and promising newcomers, reflecting the rich talent across South Indian cinema.

Key Winners – Tamil/Malayalam Cinema:

Best Film: Amaran

Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Sai Pallavi (Amaran)

Best Actor in a Comedy Role: Bala Saravanan (Lubber Pandhu)

Best Actor in a Negative Role: Anurag Kashyap (Maharaja)

Critics’ Choice Best Director: Nithilan Saminathan (Maharaja)

Critics’ Choice Best Actor (Male): Karthi (Meiyazhagan)

Critics’ Choice Best Actor (Female): Dushara (Raayan)

Special Rising Star: Harish Kalyan (Lubber Pandhu)

Key Winners – Malayalam Cinema:

Best Film: Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life

Best Director: Blessy (Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life)

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Prithviraj Sukumaran (Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life)

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Urvashi (Ullozhukku)

Best Actor in a Comedy Role: Shyam Mohan (Premalu)

Best Actor in a Negative Role: Jagadeesh (Marco)

Critics’ Choice Best Actor (Male): Unni Mukundan

Debutant Awards:

Best Debutant Director: Joju George (Pani)

Best Debutant Actor (Male): KR Gokul (The Goat Life)

Best Debutant Actress: Neha Nazneen (Qalb)

Technical and Musical Excellence:

Best Cinematographer: Shehnad Jalal (Bramayugam, Ullozhukku)

Best Playback Singer (Female): Vaikom Vijayalakshmi (ARM)

Best Playback Singer (Male): K S Harisankar (ARM)

The ceremony also celebrated the Telugu and Kannada film industries, with actors like Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna receiving accolades. Films including ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘Gowri’ were recognised for their technical and artistic achievements, highlighting the vibrant diversity of South Indian cinema.

SIIMA 2025 underscored the continued growth and creativity in the South Indian film industry, honouring both trailblazing veterans and emerging talent who are shaping the region’s cinematic landscape.

– Ends