Telangana to Host IIFA Utsavam in Hyderabad (2026–2028)
Swati Bhat
In a historic milestone for India’s cultural diplomacy and creative economy, the Government of Telangana has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards and IIFA Utsavam. Revealed at the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, this landmark collaboration positions India’s youngest state as a global cultural powerhouse and a thriving hub for cinema, creativity, innovation, and talent.
At the heart of this alliance is a transformative dual global strategy: ‘Taking Telangana to the World at IIFA 2026’ and ‘Bringing the World to Telangana through IIFA Utsavam from 2026 to 2028’. As the Official Partner State for IIFA 2026, Telangana will gain unmatched visibility across IIFA’s global broadcast network spanning over 120 countries, reaching more than 2.5 billion viewers. This unprecedented exposure is set to elevate the State’s global identity, attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and deepen engagement with the international diaspora and creative industries worldwide.
Simultaneously, Hyderabad will host IIFA Utsavam for three consecutive years, celebrating the vibrancy of Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors annually, reinforcing Telangana’s emergence as the cultural capital of South India and a high-impact destination for film-led tourism. The multi-year hosting will also strengthen the State’s hospitality, entertainment, events, retail, digital media, and film-production sectors—further accelerating Telangana’s rise as a global creative-economy hub.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri A. Revanth Reddy, emphasized the State’s bold vision:“Following the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, Telangana is proud to announce a transformative partnership with IIFA, one of India’s most influential cultural institutions. Through IIFA 2026, we will take the story of Telangana to the world, and through IIFA Utsavam from 2026 to 2028, we will bring the world back to our State… Telangana Rising is unstoppable. Come, join the rise.”
This partnership is closely aligned with Telangana’s long-term vision to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034 and contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2047. By integrating IIFA into this roadmap, Telangana aims to expand the creative economy, promote the ‘Film in Telangana’ initiative, foster youth skill development through TASK, and strengthen global cultural diplomacy.
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary (SPEED), reiterated that this partnership perfectly complements Telangana’s Tourism Policy 2025–2030, which aims to position the State as India’s most preferred destination for culture, creativity, and global engagement.
For 25 years, IIFA has built a formidable legacy across global capitals—from London and New York to Amsterdam, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid. With massive international viewership, powerful soft-power influence, and unparalleled global reach, IIFA now joins hands with Telangana to shape a new chapter for Indian cinema on the world stage.
Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, hailed the alliance as a “shared mission to build a legacy that resonates across generations,” reaffirming IIFA’s commitment to elevating Telangana’s cultural voice and positioning Hyderabad as a global creative and innovation epicentre.
This historic partnership marks a defining moment for Telangana and for India—where cinema becomes the bridge, culture becomes the catalyst, and Telangana steps onto the world stage with unstoppable momentum.