SIIMA 2025 Kannada winners: Sudeep, Ashika Ranganath take top honours – full list inside

New Delhi: The South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2025 kicked off in grand style on Friday (September 5), with the spotlight on Telugu and Kannada cinema. Held in Dubai, the glittering evening brought together some of the biggest stars of the industry, including Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Duniya Vijay and Sundeep Kishan, who set the red carpet alight.

While Tamil and Malayalam categories are expected to be unveiled later, Kannada films and artists dominated the first leg of the event. Filmmaker Upendra Kumar was celebrated for his work on UI, taking home the Best Director award. The top prize of the night, Best Film, was awarded to Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi, which was praised for its storytelling and emotional depth.

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The Kannada segment was headlined by actor Sudeep, who was honoured with the Best Actor (Male) award for his performance that left audiences and critics equally impressed. Matching his win, Ashika Ranganath walked away with the Best Actor (Female) trophy. Check out the full list of winners below!

Best Director: Upendra Kumar (UI)

Best Actor (Male): Sudeep

Best Actor (Female): Ashika Ranganath

Best Film: Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi

Best Music Director – Kannada (for MAX): B Ajaneesh Loknath

Best Actor in a Comedy Role: Jack Singham (Bheema)

Best Debutant Director: Sandeep Sunkad (Shakhakaari)

Best Debutant Actor: Samarjit Lankesh (Gowri)

Promising Newcomer: Sanya Iyer (Gowri)

Best Debutant Actor (Female): Ankita Amar

Song Design of the Year – Special Award: Imran S Sardhariya

Special Award at SIIMA 2025: V Harikrishna

Best Cinematographer (for Ibbani Tabbida Illeyali): Srivathsan Selvarajan

Best Playback Singer (Female): Aishwarya Rangarajan

Best Lyric Writer: V Nagendra Prasad

Best Playback Singer (Male): Jaskaran (Committee Kurollu)

Best Actor Male (Critics): Duniya Vijayale (Critics)

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Best Actor Female (Critics): Roshni Prakash

The SIIMA organisation, founded by producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri and chaired by Adusumilli Brinda Prasad, once again highlighted the growing influence of South Indian cinema on a global stage. With Telugu winners also announced and Tamil and Malayalam honours still to come, the 2025 edition is already being hailed as one of the most memorable celebrations of regional cinema.