Entertainment

Allu Arjun Honoured as ‘Most Versatile Actor’ at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025


By Team Allycaral | Goa

Mumbai: Celebrated actor and pan-India sensation Allu Arjun has once again made headlines — this time for winning the ‘Most Versatile Actor’ award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, held in Mumbai.

The award recognizes Allu Arjun’s extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, particularly his ability to bring depth, energy, and authenticity to every role he portrays.

Best known for his recent blockbuster “Pushpa: The Rule (Pushpa 2)”, Allu Arjun has carved a niche for himself not just in Telugu cinema but across India, becoming a true symbol of cinematic excellence and versatility.

In his acceptance speech, the actor expressed gratitude to his fans and team, saying, “This recognition means a lot to me. Every character I play is a new journey, and I dedicate this award to my fans who inspire me to push my limits every day.”

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards — one of India’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in cinema — honoured several stars across categories, but Allu Arjun’s win stood out for showcasing the growing influence of South Indian cinema on the national stage.

With this accolade, Allu Arjun cements his position as one of the most dynamic and admired actors of his generation, admired for seamlessly blending style, substance, and emotional power on screen.

As anticipation builds for his upcoming projects, fans across India continue to celebrate this proud moment — another milestone in the star’s remarkable journey.

Awards

Screen Awards 2025: A Cultural Milestone Goes Digital-First with YouTube


The Indian Express Group has announced a groundbreaking transformation of one of India’s most iconic film award shows — Screen Awards 2025. This year, the awards take a digital-first leap, streaming exclusively on YouTube to bring together the grandeur of Bollywood with the dynamism of digital creators.

Backed by the editorial credibility of the Indian Express Group and chosen by the Screen Academy, an independent body of acclaimed filmmakers and artists, Screen Awards 2025 promises recognition based on merit and integrity.

📌 Why It’s Historic:

  • First time Screen Awards will be fully digital-first, streamed worldwide on YouTube.
  • Bollywood superstars will share the spotlight with YouTube creators, symbolizing the convergence of cinema and new-age storytelling.
  • A 3-month-long cultural festival featuring red carpet events, behind-the-scenes coverage, creator-led content, and fan engagement.

📌 Industry Voices:

  • Anant Goenka, Executive Director, Indian Express Group, emphasized that the awards aim to celebrate creativity beyond box-office numbers, spotlighting India’s most original voices.
  • Gunjan Soni, MD YouTube India, called it a milestone collaboration that blends Bollywood’s stars with YouTube’s fandom-driven creator ecosystem.
  • Priyanka Sinha Jha, Curator of Screen Awards, highlighted the legacy of Screen as India’s first jury-based film award and now, the first to go fully digital.

📌 Why YouTube?
With YouTube reaching 4 out of 5 Indian internet users and entertainment videos generating over 7.5 billion daily views worldwide in 2024, the platform offers unmatched scale. Connected TVs (CTV) — YouTube’s fastest-growing screen in India — ensure accessibility across devices, bridging traditional and digital audiences.

📌 Legacy Meets Future:
Since its inception in 1995, Screen Awards has been a pioneer in Indian entertainment. From being the first jury-based film award to hosting Oscar representatives, it has always been about credibility and innovation. With this YouTube partnership, Screen Awards once again sets a new standard, symbolizing India’s entertainment future.

👉 Screen Awards 2025 is not just another awards night. It is a digital cultural festival — a stage where cinema, creators, and communities converge.

Events in Goa

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Film Legends, Music & Awards


Panaji, Goa – August 14, 2025: The Goa State Film Festival 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions in a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The festival was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at INOX, Panaji.

Joining him at the opening ceremony were prominent dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M. Lobo (MLA & Vice Chairperson, ESG), Shri Damu Naik (film personality & Ex Vice Chairman, ESG), Shri Rohit Monserrate (Mayor, CCP Panaji), Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill (IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Information & Publicity), Shri Ashwin Chandru (IAS, CEO, ESG), and Shri Dipak Bandekar (Director, Dept. of Information & Publicity).

The festival’s opening night was further illuminated by the presence of legendary actor and television presenter Mohammad Ali, whose remarkable career spans over 1,200 films across Telugu and other languages. A cultural feast followed, featuring musical performances by acclaimed singer Jolly Mukherjee, Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and comedic acts from Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame.

Celebrating Young Talent – 48 Hours Short Film Competition Winners

Highlighting the emerging talent in filmmaking, the winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition were announced:

  • Best Film (First Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (Second Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Ful ani Savli emerged as the standout winner, capturing both artistic and technical accolades.

Four Days of Cinema, Culture & Community

Running from August 14 to 17, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 will showcase 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, reflecting a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles. In addition to film screenings, visitors can enjoy a Food Court and explore Handicraft Stalls set up at the INOX courtyard, offering a vibrant festival experience that extends beyond cinema.

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Goa State Film Festival promises four days of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration of Goa’s creative spirit.

📍 Venue: INOX Courtyard, Panaji, Goa
📅 Dates: August 14–17, 2025
🎟️ Entry: Open to all cinema lovers

Films

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Brings Together 10th, 11th & 12th Editions


Panaji is set to shine under the cinematic spotlight as the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival kick off on August 14, 2025 at INOX Screen 1, Panaji. The inauguration will be graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Smt. Delilah M Lobo, MLA and Vice Chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).

Film lovers can look forward to screenings at Maquinez Palace Theatre and INOX, Panaji, with 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films vying for 21 feature and 7 non-feature awards. The festival will also host insightful workshops and masterclasses by renowned film personalities, including Shri Neelaabh Kaul, Shri Pankaj Saxena, veteran actor Shri Kanwarjit Paintal, and Shri Chitah Yajnesh Shetty.

One of the most anticipated moments will be the lifetime achievement award presentation to Smt. Varsha Usgaonkar, an acclaimed actress, singer, model, and social worker who has left her mark in Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani cinema. This honor will be conferred during the award ceremony on August 17, 2025.

The opening ceremony promises a vibrant cultural experience with performances by celebrity singer Jolly Mukherjee, a solo band act by Mukesh Ghatwal, and a comedy show by Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the INOX courtyard will host a food court and handicraft stalls from August 14 to 17, 2025. Winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition will also be announced on opening day.

Delegate registration is open for Goan Film Fraternity, Film Enthusiasts, Student Delegates, and Media Delegates. For details, visit www.esg.co.in.