NEW DELHI: The 11th edition of the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) kicked off with a grand two-day ceremony in Dubai on September 15, 2023. The event, known for its glitz and glamour, saw the presence of renowned actors such as Jr NTR, Mrunal Thakur, Adivi Sesh, and Rana Daggubati gracing the red carpet. This prestigious occasion brings together the finest talents from the Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries to honor their outstanding contributions to cinema.
On the first day of the award ceremony, the winners from the Telugu and Kannada film industries were unveiled, with the achievers from Malayalam and Tamil film industries eagerly anticipated on the following day.
Mrunal Thakur, a versatile actor who has made a mark not only in Bollywood but also in regional cinema, was one of the highlights of the evening. Her debut Telugu film, "Sita Ramam," where she portrayed the character of Sita in a tragic romance alongside Dulquer Salmaan, garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences. Her recognition at the SIIMA Awards 2023 is a testament to her talent and dedication. Mrunal Thakur triumphed in two categories—Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) and Best Debutant Actress (Telugu).
The 11th SIIMA Awards were divided into two parts, continuing until September 16. On the first day, the Telugu and Kannada film industry winners were celebrated. Here is a list of the winners:
**SIIMA Awards 2023, Telugu:**
- Best Film Award (Telugu): "Sita Ramam"
- Best Director (Telugu): SS Rajamouli for "RRR"
- Best Actor in Leading Role (Telugu): Jr NTR for "RRR"
- Best Actress in a Leading Role (Telugu): Sreeleela for "Dhamaka"
- Best Actor in Leading Role - Critics (Telugu): Adivi Sesh for "Major"
- Best Actress in a Leading Role - Critics (Telugu): Mrunal Thakur for "Sita Ramam"
- Best Debutant Producers (Telugu): Sharath and Anurag for "Major"
- Promising Newcomer (Telugu): Ganesh Bellamkonda
- Best Debutant Actress (Telugu): Mrunal Thakur for "Sita Ramam"
- Best Music Director (Telugu): MM Keeravaani for "RRR"
- Best Lyric Writer (Telugu): Chandrabose for "Naatu Naatu" in "RRR"
- Best Playback Singer - Male (Telugu): Miryala Ram for "DJ Tillu" title track
- Best Playback Singer - Female (Telugu): Singer Mangli, for "Jinthaak" in "Dhamaka"
- Best Cinematographer (Telugu): Senthil Kumar, for "RRR"
- Best Debutant Director (Telugu): Mallidi Vassisht for "Bimbisara"
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Telugu): Sangeetha for "Masooda"
- Sensation of the Year (Telugu): Nikhil Siddhartha for "Karthikeya 2"
- Best Actor in a Negative Role (Telugu): Suhas for "HIT - 2"
- Best Actor in a Comedy Role (Telugu): Srinivasa Reddy for "Karthikeya 2"
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Telugu): Rana Daggubati for "Bheemla Nayak"
**SIIMA Awards 2023, Kannada:**
- Best Film (Kannada): "777 Charlie"
- Best Actor in a Leading Role (Kannada): Yash for "KGF Chapter 2"
- Best Actress in a Leading Role (Kannada): Srinidhi Shetty for "KGF Chapter 2"
- Best Actor in Leading Role - Critics (Kannada): Rishab Shetty for "Kantara"
- Best Actress in a Leading Role - Critics Choice (Kannada): Sapthami Gowda for "Kantara"
- Special Appreciation Award - Pathbreaking Story (Kannada): Rishab Shetty for "Kantara"
- Best Actor in a Negative Role (Kannada): Achyuth Kumar for "Kantara"
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Kannada): Diganth Manchale for "Gaalipata 2"
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Kannada): Shubha Raksha for "Home Minister"
- Best Debutant Producer (Kannada): Apeksha Purohit and Pavan Kumar Wadeyar for "Dollu"
- Best Debutant Actor (Kannada): Pruthvi Shamanur for "Padavi Poorva"
- Best Debutant Actress (Kannada): Neetha Ashok for "Vikrant Rona"
- Special Appreciation Award (Kannada): Mukesh Laxman for "Kantara"
- Special Appreciation Award - Actor in a Lead Role (Kannada): Rakshit Shetty for "Charlie 777"
- Best Actor in a Comedy Role (Kannada): Prakash Thuminad for "Kantara"
- Best Debutant Director (Kannada): Sagar Puranik for "Dollu"
- Best Music Director (Kannada): B. Ajaneesh Loknath for "Kantara"
- Best Lyric Writer (Kannada): Pramod Maravanthe for "Singara Siriye" in "Kantara"
- Best Playback Singer - Male (Kannada): Vijay Prakash for "Singara Siriye"
- Best Playback Singer - Female (Kannada): Sunidhi Chauhan for "Ra Ra Rakkamma" in "Vikrant Rona"
- Best Cinematographer (Kannada): Bhuvan Gowda for "KGF Chapter 2"
The SIIMA Awards 2023 showcased the excellence and talent of the Telugu and Kannada film industries, setting the stage for the excitement surrounding the upcoming awards for Malayalam and Tamil cinema. The event was a spectacular celebration of the magic of Indian cinema.
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