Panaji, Goa, November 28, 2025 – Superstar Rajinikanth graced the red carpet of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, captivating the paparazzi and fans alike. The legendary actor was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival's closing ceremony, marking his 50th year in the Indian film industry.
Rajinikanth's arrival in Goa was met with enthusiastic fanfare. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by hotel staff and admirers. Videos circulating on social media captured the actor greeting supporters with folded hands amidst the lively sounds of dhol beats. Later, his family joined him to celebrate his momentous achievement.
At the closing ceremony, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented Rajinikanth with a shawl and a memento. The actor, visibly moved by the recognition, dedicated the award to the cinema industry and the Tamil people, who he described as the "gods who keep me alive". Reflecting on his illustrious career, the 74-year-old actor remarked that his 50 years in cinema felt like a mere 10 to 15 years. "If there are 100 more janams (lives), I would like to be born as an actor and as Rajinikanth," he declared, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Actor Ranveer Singh was also present at the ceremony and expressed his admiration for Rajinikanth's legacy. "I'm too small to be speaking words about this level of greatness," Singh admitted, while also expressing his anticipation for Jailer 2.
The 56th IFFI, which ran from November 20 to 28, showcased over 240 films from 81 countries. The festival also commemorated the centenaries of filmmakers and artists like Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury, with screenings of their restored classics. The Indian Panorama section featured 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films and five debut features.
The festival's closing ceremony also celebrated the cultural diversity of India, with a performance showcasing folk heritage, classical traditions, and contemporary artistic excellence. The Golden Peacock Award for Best Feature Film was awarded to Ashleigh Mayfair's "Skin of Youth", a Vietnamese drama. The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal was presented to the Norwegian film "Safe House".
