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Indian cinema is entering a landmark year, and nowhere is that more evident than at the 70th Filmfare Awards — a celebration not just of the films of 2024, but of 70 years of cinematic legacy, evolving storytelling, and star-studded glamour.
When & Where
The 70th Filmfare Awards will be held on 11 October 2025 at EKA Arena, Ahmedabad, Gujarat — marking a continued push to bring Bollywood’s biggest night beyond the traditional hubs.
This edition is presented in association with Gujarat Tourism and backed by the state government’s cinematic tourism agenda.
An MoU was signed between TCGL (Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd) and Worldwide Media to bring this spectacle to the state — a move expected to boost local infrastructure, tourism, and the cultural profile of Gujarat.
The event aims to use the Filmfare platform as a way to showcase Gujarat’s many attractions — from the Rann of Kutch to Somnath — to a national and international audience.
Hosts & Vibe
What makes this edition extra special? Shah Rukh Khan returns to host the Filmfare Awards after 17 years, alongside Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul.
SRK’s last full-time hosting gig was the 53rd Filmfare in 2008, so fans are particularly excited for his comeback — promising wit, charm, and loaded nostalgia.
Karan Johar, long associated with Filmfare and Bollywood’s evolution, and Maniesh Paul, known for his stage energy, round out what promises to be a dynamic and entertaining trio.
Expect a night that balances glitz with heartfelt tributes — and a few surprises along the way.
The Competition: Nominations & Highlights
One film has grabbed headlines this awards season: Laapataa Ladies, with a whopping 24 nominations — the highest for any film this year.
This breadth of recognition signals the film’s multifaceted strengths across direction, performance, writing, music, and more.
Here’s a snapshot of notable nomination categories:
- Best Film: Article 370, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kill, Laapataa Ladies, Stree 2
- Best Director contenders: Aditya Suhas Jambhale (Article 370), Amar Kaushik (Stree 2), Anees Bazmee (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3), Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies), Nikhil Nagesh Bhat (Kill)
- Acting categories see a diverse mix:
• Best Actor (Leading): Abhishek Bachchan (I Want to Talk), Ajay Devgn (Maidaan), Akshay Kumar (Sarfira), Hrithik Roshan (Fighter), Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion)
• Best Actress (Leading): Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani, Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Rani Mukerji
• Supporting, Critics’ Awards, etc., all showcase strong contenders across the board.
On the technical and writing front, some winners have already been revealed via a press conference. Highlights include:
- Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar for Tauba Tauba – Bad Newz
- Best VFX: ReDefine for Munjya
- Best Background Score: Ram Sampath for Laapataa Ladies
- Best Cinematography: Rafey Mehmood for Kill
- Best Production Design: Mayur Sharma for Kill
- Best Costume: Darshan Jalan for Laapataa Ladies
- Writing Awards: Sneha Desai swept both Best Screenplay & Best Dialogue for Laapataa Ladies; Best Story went to Aditya Dhar & Monal Thaakar (Article 370)
These early winners reflect careful attention to craft, meaning this awards night could shift focus from just star power to storytelling and technical brilliance.
What It Means for Bollywood & Gujarat
Hosting the 70th Filmfare in Ahmedabad is more than just a spectacle — it’s a statement. For Gujarat, it cements its place not only as a cultural host but as a destination for cinematic tourism.
The event is anticipated to catalyze local infrastructure development in hospitality, transport, and media, with ripple benefits far beyond the red carpet.
For Bollywood, this edition reinforces an evolving narrative: the awards are not just about glamour and celebrities, but a platform for honoring excellence in every layer of filmmaking.
Things to Watch
- Will Laapataa Ladies justify its record nominations with wins across major categories?
- Will veterans and newcomers alike make their mark — surprising snubs or underdog wins are always possible.
- How will SRK’s hosting comeback be received? Will the chemistry between the trio resonate?
- Will Gujarat’s gamble on hosting pay dividends in longer-term cinematic investment?
Confirmed / Technical & Writing Category Winners
According to Filmfare’s official technical winners list and press releases:
- Best Action: Seayoung OH & Parvez Shaikh for Kill
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Ritesh Shah (I Want to Talk)
- Best VFX: Redefine (Munjya)
- Best Sound Design: Subash Sahoo (Kill)
- Best Production Design: Mayur Sharma (Kill)
- Best Editing: Shivkumar V. Panicker (Kill)
- Best Costume: Darshan Jalan (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Background Score: Ram Sampath (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Choreography: Bosco‑Caesar (Tauba Tauba from Bad Newz)
- Best Story: Aditya Dhar & Monal Thaakar (Article 370)
- Best Screenplay: Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Dialogue: Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)
Predictions & Speculations for Major Categories
For the big headline awards (Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Supporting roles), there are no confirmed sources yet. But based on nomination patterns, industry buzz, critics’ expectations, and how these awards tend to swing, here are some educated guesses (take them with a grain of salt):
| Category | Leading Contenders | Prediction / Speculation |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | Laapataa Ladies, Kill, Stree 2, Article 370 | Laapataa Ladies is a strong bet given its dominance in nominations and backed by strong writing/technical wins |
| Best Director | Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies), Nikhil Nagesh Bhat (Kill), Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Amar Kaushik | Kiran Rao might edge out others if the film’s sweep continues |
| Best Actor (Male) | Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan, Ajay Devgn, Rajkummar Rao | Could go in any direction; if a “surprise” vote happens, an underdog might win |
| Best Actress (Female) | Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani, Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Rani Mukerji | Alia is a frontrunner given her strong profile and recent track record |
| Supporting / Critics / Special Categories | Many variables | These often swing on jury sentiment, so unexpected wins are common |
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