Legendary actors Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna are set to be felicitated at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 for completing 50 years in cinema, marking a milestone in their illustrious careers. This was confirmed by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan, during a press briefing in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
“Legendary actors Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna will be felicitated for completing 50 years in cinema, celebrating their enduring influence on Indian film culture,” Murugan said. He added that the felicitation would recognise their iconic body of work, widespread popularity, and immense contribution to shaping Indian storytelling over decades.
The IFFI 2025 is scheduled to begin on November 20 and conclude on November 28, with the closing ceremony to be held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. The festival will open with a unique gala float parade along D B Bandodkar Road in Panaji, breaking from traditional inaugurations. Twelve tableaux from different states and government departments will participate in the parade, showcasing the rich diversity of India’s film culture.
Rajinikanth, one of the most enduring commercial stars of Tamil cinema, made his debut in the 1975 film Apoorva Raagangal. Initially cast in negative roles, he later became a heroic figure commanding a massive fan following and record-breaking box office openings across India.
Nandamuri Balakrishna, a stalwart of Telugu cinema, has acted in over 100 films, delivering blockbusters such as Samarasimha Reddy, Simha, Aditya 369, and Muddula Mavayya. Beyond cinema, he also serves as an MLA for the ruling TDP in Andhra Pradesh, further cementing his public presence.
According to Dr Murugan, 7,500 delegates have already registered for the festival, which will screen 270 films from 84 countries. Japan has been chosen as the country of focus, while Spain and Australia will be the partner and spotlight countries, respectively. IFFI 2025 will also present award-winning films from renowned international festivals including Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice.
The felicitation of Rajinikanth and Balakrishna not only honours their remarkable achievements but also underscores IFFI’s commitment to celebrating the legacy of Indian cinema while showcasing the country’s vibrant film culture on a global stage.