Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna to Be Honoured at IFFI for Completing 50 Years in Cinema

Legendary Indian actors Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna will be honoured at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 for completing 50 illustrious years in cinema. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan, in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Dr. Murugan said the felicitation marks a significant milestone that celebrates the actors’ “enduring influence on Indian film culture” and acknowledges their decades-long contribution to Indian storytelling. The closing ceremony will take place at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, while the festival will commence with a grand float parade along Panaji’s picturesque D B Bandodkar Road on November 20.

Rajinikanth, one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and commercially successful stars, made his film debut in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal. From portraying gripping negative roles to emerging as a pan-India superstar, he commands a massive global fan base and continues to be celebrated for his style, dialogue delivery, and cinematic charisma.

Nandamuri Balakrishna, a veteran of more than 100 Telugu films, is known for blockbuster hits such as Samarasimha Reddy, Simha, Aditya 369, and Muddula Mavayya. A prominent figure in Telugu cinema, Balakrishna also serves as an MLA for the ruling TDP in Andhra Pradesh.

The 2025 edition of IFFI will screen 270 films from 84 countries, with Japan as the country of focus. Spain and Australia will join as the partner and spotlight countries respectively. Notably, award-winning films from global festivals including Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice will also be showcased.

The festival will feature a spectacular opening float parade with 12 tableaux from various states and government departments, highlighting India’s vibrant film heritage. More than 7,500 delegates have already registered for the event.

As the two stalwarts—Rajinikanth and Balakrishna—complete five decades in cinema, IFFI’s special honour stands as a tribute to their legacy, influence, and immense contribution to Indian film culture.