Kochi, Feb 23: The 70th Filmfare Awards South with Kerala Tourism marked a historic milestone as Kochi hosted the prestigious celebration for the first time at the Adlux International Convention Centre. The landmark edition brought together the biggest names from Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, celebrating cinematic excellence with grandeur and fanfare.
One of the most defining highlights of the evening was Allu Arjun’s win for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) – Telugu for his powerful performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule. The accolade marks his seventh Filmfare Award, further solidifying his position as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated and bankable stars.
An emotional Allu Arjun accepted the iconic Black Lady trophy with heartfelt gratitude. Reflecting on the moment, he shared:
“I have imagined holding this award countless times with my eyes closed, and today I am happy to hold it with my eyes open.”
Acknowledging the collective effort behind cinematic success, he added:
“Every actor who wins Best Actor does so because a director dreamed it first. It is always collective energy.”
He expressed deep appreciation for the hundreds of technicians and artists who work tirelessly behind the scenes and extended special thanks to his co-star Rashmika Mandanna. Dedicating the honour to his fans, he credited their unwavering belief and blessings as the driving force behind his journey.
The evening reached a crescendo when Allu Arjun concluded his speech in signature Pushpa style, recreating his character’s iconic hand gesture and delivering his trademark line. The electrifying moment sent the audience into a frenzy, transforming the award win into an unforgettable fan celebration.
The 70th Filmfare Awards South with Kerala Tourism not only celebrated artistic brilliance across industries but also showcased Kochi as a vibrant cultural destination capable of hosting marquee entertainment events on a grand scale.