Skip to main content

IIFA Awards 2025: Kunal Kemmu dedicates his Best Debut Director award to his team and technicians; promises to continue bringing diverse stories

Kunal Kemmu's maiden directorial venture, Madgaon Express, has emerged as one of last year’s biggest sleeper hits, winning over both critics and audiences alike. The film, celebrated for its witty humor and nostalgic charm, not only resonated with viewers but also performed admirably at the box office. This success was further recognized as Kunal Kemmu won the award for Best Directorial Debut at the NEXA IIFA Awards 2025!

Kunal Kemmu, who is best known for his acting career, stepped into the director’s chair for the first time with Madgaon Express, a story he both wrote and directed.

Reflecting on this milestone, Kunal shared his gratitude for the support he received along the way. “Being at IIFA for the first time, in my own country, among my own people, is truly special. I’m grateful to my producers for believing in me—not just as a writer, but as a director. I want to thank my team and technicians, and this one belongs to them. I accept this on their behalf and promise to continue bringing diverse stories—not just as an actor, but as a writer-director. Thank you, IIFA!" Meanwhile, he also shared a heartfelt Instagram post. Take a look below:

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kunal Kemmu (@kunalkemmu)

This recognition not only highlights Kunal Kemmu’s talent as a filmmaker but also showcases his versatility. Beyond being a gifted actor, he has proven himself to be a promising director. Adding another feather to his cap, Kunal also contributed as a singer in the film, lending his voice to 'Hum Yahin.'

Produced by Excel Entertainment, Madgaon Express features an ensemble cast including Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye, and Chhaya Kadam. The film continues to be appreciated for its engaging storytelling, sharp humor, and heartwarming appeal. With this award, Kunal Kemmu has firmly established himself as a filmmaker to watch, marking an exciting new chapter in his creative journey.

Also Read: Kunal Kemmu recalls 12-year-old robbery attempt at Soha Ali Khan’s house amid Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident: “You can’t say that the city is safe”



from Featured Movie News | Featured Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/sc2BdTJ

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

23 Years of Lagaan: “A famous painter heard 'O Paalanhaare' and told me, ‘Tum jhooth bolte ho. Ek atheist aisa bhajan nahin likh sakta’” - Javed Akhtar

One of the greatest films of all time, Lagaan (2001), completed 23 years on June 15. Starring Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh, it was a fictional period drama about a group of villagers learning cricket, a game alien to them, and playing it against the British. In the pre-climax, when the villagers fear defeat, they collectively pray to God. This is when 'O Paalanhaare' is played and it leaves viewers teary-eyed. The song took a life of its own and is one of the most loved film devotional songs of all time. Many are surprised to know that Javed Akhtar, an atheist, penned this track. At a show ‘Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaaon’, the legendary songwriter opened up about this song and confessed that he got this surprising reaction often. He also revealed how he responds to such comments in his trademark humourous style. Javed Akhtar said, “A famous painter, Chanda, called me and said, ‘Javed, tum apne aap ko atheist kehte ho. Tum jhooth bolte ho. Ek atheist...

Kunal Kemmu opens up about budgeting for his boys trips with Shahid Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and others; says, “Because our tour is multiple days, there is a split system”

Kunal Kemmu has always confessed her love for acting and has been a part of the industry since his childhood days. And now he also forayed into direction with the comic caper Madgaon Express. But apart from his love for the Indian film industry, if there is something else that he is truly passionate about, then it is travelling. Time and again, Kunal has set travel goals and friendship goals as he takes off on a boys trip with his gang, which also includes the likes of Shahid Kapoor and his brother Ishaan Khatter. Recently, in an interview with MensXP, Kunal Kemmu addressed this subject of his trips with the squad - Shahid Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and others, and also opened up about how they all chip in their share to add to the budget of these international bike trips. In fact, he left many surprised by stating how they split bills like any other group of friends on a trip and added, “Yes it gets split. Because our tour is multiple days, there is a split system. Koi bole na bole, anda...

Triptii Dimri shares stunning photos from secret getaway with rumoured boyfriend Sam Merchant

Triptii Dimri is vacationing with her rumored boyfriend Sam Merchant in an undisclosed location. Triptii, whose intimate sequences in Ranbir Kapoor's Animal became the talk of the town and propelled her Instagram stardom from 888k followers to 5.1 million followers in just a few months, has been reportedly dating Sam for some time, according to several unsubstantiated media sources. On Thursday, the actress took to Instagram and reposted Sam’s story, which featured a lovely sunset. Triptii also included a blue heart emoji in her second story, over the sunset photo. Earlier this year, Triptii was seen shopping with Sam Merchant in Mumbai. In a video provided by Manav Manglani, Triptii was seen holding coffee and conversing with Sam. Both were engaged in conversation while shopping. The rumours about Triptii and Sam dating started after the latter posted a selfie with the actress from a wedding they attended. While fans believe they may be dating, a source informed Zoom TV in Dece...