Mumbai, Feb 16: Filmfare has officially unveiled the nominations for the 70th Filmfare Awards South with Kerala Tourism, celebrating cinematic excellence across Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films released in 2024. Marking a historic milestone, the awards ceremony will be hosted for the first time in Kochi on February 21, 2026, at the Adlux International Convention Centre.
This landmark edition honours outstanding talent from four powerhouse industries that continue to redefine Indian cinema globally.
Malayalam: Aadujeevitham Leads the Race
In Malayalam cinema, Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) emerges as the frontrunner with 8 nominations. The Best Film category features a strong slate including Aattam, Aavesham, Bramayugam, Manjummel Boys, Premalu, Ullozhukku, Kishkindha Kaandam, and Prabhayay Ninachathellam (All We Imagine As Light).
The Best Actor (Male) nominations include stalwarts such as Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, while the Best Actor (Female) category sees powerful contenders including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Nazriya Nazim, and Urvashi.
Kannada: Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi Takes the Lead
In Kannada cinema, Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi leads the nominations, followed closely by Bheema and Blink.
The Best Actor (Male) category includes prominent names such as Shivarajkumar and Sudeep, reflecting a competitive year for Kannada cinema.
Tamil: Amaran Dominates with 10 Nominations
Tamil cinema sees Amaran emerge as the frontrunner with 10 nominations, followed by Lubber Pandhu and Meiyazhagan.
The Best Actor (Male) lineup features celebrated performers such as Dhanush, Vikram, and Vijay Sethupathi.
In the Best Actor (Female) category, nominees include Sai Pallavi and Keerthy Suresh, among others.
Telugu: Three-Way Tie at the Top
In Telugu cinema, Pushpa 2: The Rule, Hanu-Man, and Lucky Baskhar lead the nominations with seven each.
The Best Actor (Male) category features major stars including Allu Arjun, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., and Nani.
Adding to the excitement, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Kalki 2898 AD, marking a notable crossover moment in Telugu cinema.
Leadership Speaks
Shri P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Hon’ble Minister for Public Works Department & Tourism, Government of Kerala, said Kerala is honoured to host the milestone edition, reinforcing the state’s strong relationship with cinema and vision to promote film tourism.
Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director WWM & Times Strategic Solutions Ltd., CEO Digital – Times Television Network, emphasized Kerala’s deep contribution to South Indian cinema and highlighted Kochi as the cultural nerve centre of Malayalam cinema.
Kamar D, Founder of Kamar Film Factory, expressed pride in partnering with Filmfare for this historic edition.
Mr. Jitesh Pillaai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, congratulated all nominees and described the 70th edition as a grand celebration of originality, emotional depth, and cinematic excellence across South India.
Partners
- Destination Partner: Kerala Tourism
- Special Partner: Kamar Film Factory
- Co-powered by: TTK Prestige
- Co-powered by: Sensodent DSP