The best of Hindi cinema celebrated at the inaugural Filme Shilmy Awards 2025

The Filme Shilmy Awards 2025 have officially celebrated some of Hindi cinema’s most impactful performances, films and creative triumphs across theatrical and OTT platforms. 

Unlike conventional industry awards, this editorial-led recognition prioritises artistic excellence, cultural significance and storytelling depth, beyond box office numbers, as well as celebrating the commercial high-achievers.

Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion), Kriti Sanon (Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Do Patti), Diljit Dosanjh (Amar Singh Chamkila), and R Madhavan (Shaitaan) are among top talents to have been recognised for their compelling portrayals, while Kabir Khan (Chandu Champion) has been honoured as Best Director – Theatrical for his inspiring take on the extraordinary journey of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. 

A special honour went to Vikramaditya Motwane’s CTRL on Netflix for Cultural Landmark of the Year, recognising its groundbreaking screenlife storytelling and AI-driven narrative. The Filme Shilmy Awards stand apart as one of the first UK-based editorial initiatives dedicated to exclusively recognising Hindi cinema across theatrical and OTT releases. 

The winners were determined through a week-long public poll on Twitter (‘X’), with thousands of votes cast, ensuring direct audience participation in the selection process.

Meanwhile, Editor’s Choice categories highlighted underappreciated performances and films that may not have dominated box office charts but left an indelible mark on cinematic storytelling. 

Key honourees in this segment includes breakthrough talents like Preeti Panigrahi (Girls Will Be Girls) and experienced actors like Chhaya Kadam, whose artistic voice was finally heard in hits like Laapataa Ladies and Madgaon Express.

Filme Shilmy Founder and Editor, Anuj Radia, says: “Hindi cinema is evolving rapidly, and the Filme Shilmy Awards shine a light on performances and narratives that leave a lasting impact— whether or not they dominate box-office charts. 

We’re proud to independently recognise Hindi cinema’s most meaningful achievements here in the UK. Features like these are essential in directly engaging viewers and instantly capturing their opinions. Hopefully, this marks the first significant step towards launching a live, full-fledged awards show!”

Full List of Winners:

Best Film (Theatrical): Chandu Champion

Best Film (OTT): Amar Singh Chamkila

Best Director (Theatrical): Kabir Khan (Chandu Champion)

Best Actor (Theatrical – Male): Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) 

Best Actor (OTT – Male): Diljit Dosanjh (Amar Singh Chamkila) 

Best Actress (Theatrical & OTT): Kriti Sanon

Breakout Star of the Year: Raghav Juyal (Kill)

Best Web Series: Panchayat – Season 3 (Prime Video)

Most Terrifying Performance: R. Madhavan (Shaitaan)

Most Comical Performance: Kareena Kapoor Khan (Crew) & Abhishek Banerjee (Stree 2)

Best Playback Singer: Sonu Nigam – Mere Dholna 3.0 (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)

Best On-Screen Couple: Shahid Kapoor & Kriti Sanon (Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya)

Editor’s Choice:

Performance Beyond Box Office & Commerciality (Male): Randeep Hooda (Swatantrya Veer Savarkar)

Performance Beyond Box Office & Commerciality (Female): Preeti Panigrahi (Girls Will Be Girls)

Show-Stealer Spotlight (Male): Vijay Raaz (Chandu Champion)

Show-Stealer Spotlight (Female): Chhaya Kadam (Laapataa Ladies, Madgaon Express)

 Best Independent Film That Deserves More Recognition: Baby Crasto (Jesal Shah) 

Cultural Landmark of the Year: CTRL (Netflix)

Filme Shilmy is a UK-based independent digital platform dedicated to celebrating South Asian cinema, arts, and culture. Through exclusive interviews, critical reviews, and in-depth features, it champions cinematic voices that deserve global recognition.

Anuj Radia is a prominent independent journalist based in the UK. Over his career, Anuj has interviewed some of the biggest names in Bollywood and Hollywood. He’s also worked with mainstream publications like DEADLINE Hollywood, BBC Asian Network and has covered the prestigious Oscars in 2021. 

He is vocal about accurate cultural representations in the West, and LGBTQIA+ rights.  He has also participated in campaigns for mental health awareness.

Furthermore, he regularly hosts Q&As for film festivals such as the London Indian Film Festival and the UK Asian Film Festival, frequently held at the high-profile BAFTA 195 and BFI. Anuj has also collaborated with prominent film companies like Zee Studios in hosting special consulate screenings of blockbuster Hindi movies at iconic venues like Vue Cinema Leicester Square. He has recently widened his experience in television appearing as a panellist for Zee TV and as a radio presenter.

Since its foundation in 2018, Filme Shilmy has evolved into becoming a popular, independent, online portal which covers the latest film news, reviews, features and interviews. The publication is dedicated to its no-holds-barred approach in presenting perspectives regarding the entertainment industry. 

Though firmly rooted in its Indian background, the website transcends barriers through its coverage of cinema across various languages and countries. 

Features notable interviews with illustrious personalities including (but not limited to): Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, Zachary Levi, Vidya Balan, Riz Ahmed, The Russo Brothers and Gurinder Chadha. In 2023, the outlet’s ethos of embracing culture and cinema progressed into launching its own chat show with ReelN Ltd called ‘The Filme Shilmy Show’. 

The editions included esteemed guests like Rishi Rich, Veronica Mehta and Pravesh Kumar MBE, to name a few. The first of its kind in the UK, this live in-person talk show aims to bridge the gap between British audiences and South Asian talents from home and away.

Filme Shilmy is a growing medium and is in development for more exciting ventures.

Credits by Asian Connect & Business Connect