Mumbai will host a landmark cinematic celebration on April 15 and 16 as the first edition of the Indian National Cine Academy Awards, known as the INCA Awards, makes its debut. Conceived as India’s first national film academy platform, the initiative aims to bring together 12 major film industries from across the country under one unified banner.
The INCA Awards seek to move beyond linguistic and regional divisions by recognising the collective strength, diversity and global standing of Indian cinema. By offering a common national stage, the academy aspires to give institutional structure to the cultural unity that has long defined the country’s film landscape. Organisers believe the platform will mark a significant milestone in acknowledging Indian cinema as one cohesive creative force.
The concept has been envisioned by founders and mentors associated with prominent entertainment properties such as the Celebrity Cricket League and the South Indian International Movie Awards. The initiative is being led by Vishnu Vardhan Induri, who has played a key role in shaping large scale industry platforms. The Producers Guild of India has joined as the principal institutional partner, adding credibility and professional standards comparable to leading global film academies.
The inaugural edition will be presented with Kalyan Jewellers as the presenting sponsor. The collaboration is positioned as a partnership built on shared values of excellence, tradition and trust, further elevating the stature of the event.
Structured on an academy style honours system, INCA places transparency, peer recognition and credibility at the centre of its framework. Each of the 12 participating language industries will present key awards including Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress. In addition, All India honours will recognise achievements in direction, performance, music, technical excellence and debut categories. The structure ensures that both regional pride and national excellence are celebrated on equal footing.
As part of its outreach, INCA has invited producers and directors to submit official entries for Marathi films released in 2025. Eligible films must have been released between January 1 and December 31, 2025. The submission deadline is March 1, 2026, and entries can be registered through the official website, www.INCA.in.
More than an awards ceremony, INCA positions itself as a national cultural initiative. By bringing diverse industries onto one stage, it aims to reflect the shared identity and creative strength of Indian cinema in a unified and institutionalised manner.
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