Abu Dhabi for the first time will host Siima — South Indian International Movie Awards — on June 30 and July 1 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
Supported by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA), Siima recognises talent and excellence of the South Indian movie industry on a global platform, the organisers said at an event in the capital on Tuesday.
South Indian film actor Jayam Ravi, Indian actress Shriya Saran and Tamil director Vijay attended the event. A special preview of upcoming Tamil movie Vanamagan, an action adventure, starring Ravi and Sayyeshaa was also showcased. The movie is slated for release on May 19.
Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director for Tourism at TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted that Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the official host destination for this year’s Siima event. We can now look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in the South Indian film industry, as well as their legions of fans, to our wonderful emirate, as we build awareness of our destination.”
More than 600 hundred Indian movie stars and technicians will walk the red carpet and fans can look forward to a star-studded event with performances from several top stars.
Brinda Prasad, Chairperson of Siima said, “Siima has always been the event of the year that the entire South Indian Film Industry looks forward to and this year too it will be a grand affair with a galaxy of stars.”
Ravi remarked, “Siima has created a platform for South Indians films to reach its global audience and we are happy that we are showcasing Vanamagan movie at Siima launch in Abu Dhabi. It’s always been a pleasure to associate with Siima and look forward to this year’s festivities.”
Actor Rana Daggubati, whose recently released movie Baahubali has been breaking records worldwide, said: “South Indian cinema has been creating benchmarks and setting the highest standards in movie making. Siima is proving to be an incredible platform which is taking South Indian cinema and artists closer to its fans across the globe.
Saran said: “Siima is one of the most awaited and prestigious award functions, which the whole South Indian film industry look forward to every year. I too am excited to be performing at Siima this year and can’t wait for the fun to begin.”
Anand P. Waindeshkar, Director – Era Entertainment, the overseas promoter of Siima said Siima would have presence and performances by some of the biggest names from across four South Indian film industries — Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.
