‘Kamathipura Express,’ starring Vipin Sharma, wins 2026 Bronze Student Academy Award

Kamathipura Express, a Warsaw Film School production starring Indian actor Vipin Sharma, has won the 2026 Bronze Student Academy Award in the Narrative category. The film, directed by Leon Korzyński, was selected from 2,972 entries submitted by 894 colleges and universities worldwide.

Interestingly, the win makes Kamathipura Express eligible to compete in the Live Action Short Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

For Vipin, who plays an antagonist in the film, the recognition comes at an important point in a career that has steadily moved between Indian cinema and international productions. Known for his performances in films and series including Taare Zameen Par,Gangs of Wasseypur,Maharani and Dhadak 2, the actor gained international attention with Dev Patel’s directorial debut Monkey Man.

“I am a huge Polish cinema fan. I think they invented the idea of pitching a film in one sentence. So, when I was offered a role in a film from Warsaw Film School, I immediately met the director, Leon Korzyński. I loved the idea behind the film and said yes to it right away! I have also been supporting young filmmakers who are starting their careers. Their enthusiasm and passion are inspiring, and they bravely experiment!,” said Vipin in a statement to the press.

Notably, Vipin also recently wrapped shooting with Dev Patel again in The Peasant, an upcoming A24-backed medieval revenge-action thriller. The film follows a 14th-century shepherd who sets out to avenge the destruction of his community by a group of mercenaries. The project marks A24’s first production filmed in India and features an international ensemble including Christian Friedel, Sebastian Bull, and Anasuya Sengupta.

The Student Academy Awards ceremony was held for the first time in association with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)