The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, 2025, in New Delhi, honoring the best of Indian cinema for films released in the year 2023. Organized by the National Film Development Corporation of India, the awards recognized excellence across Hindi and regional films, celebrating both mainstream blockbusters and culturally rich regional gems.
Best of Indian Cinema – Major Award Winners
Best Feature Film – 12th Fail
The biggest award of the evening, Best Feature Film, was awarded to 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film, inspired by a true story, chronicles the journey of a young boy from humble beginnings who dreams of becoming an IAS officer. With powerful storytelling and realistic performances, it stood out as an inspirational film that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Acting Brilliance – Top Performance Awards
Best Actor (Joint Winners) – Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey
In a historic moment, the Best Actor Award was shared by two powerhouse performers:
- Shah Rukh Khan received the award for his role in Jawan. This was a landmark win, as it marked his first-ever National Award in a career spanning over 30 years. His portrayal of a vigilante fighting for justice struck a chord with fans nationwide.
- Vikrant Massey won for 12th Fail, where he played the determined and passionate protagonist Manoj. His performance was lauded for its honesty and emotional depth, further establishing him as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
Best Actress – Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji clinched the Best Actress Award for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Her performance as a mother fighting against a foreign system to regain custody of her children was raw, emotional, and powerful. This marked Rani’s first National Award and was a moment of pride for her fans and the industry.
Celebrating Cinematic Craft – Direction and Entertainment
Best Director – Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
Sudipto Sen was awarded Best Director for The Kerala Story, a bold film that sparked nationwide debate. His storytelling was appreciated for its unflinching portrayal of sensitive themes, delivered with technical finesse and narrative clarity.
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Directed by Karan Johar, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won this category with its vibrant storytelling, colorful visuals, and impactful performances. It was also recognized for Best Choreography for the energetic song “Dhindora Baje Re,” showcasing traditional Indian dance in a modern setting.
Regional Cinema Shines Bright
India’s linguistic and cultural diversity was beautifully reflected through the awards presented to regional films:
- Best Hindi Film – Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Best Telugu Film – Bhagavanth Kesari
- Best Tamil Film – Parking
- Best Malayalam Film – Ullozhukku
- Best Marathi Film – Shyamchi Aai
- Best Bengali Film – Deep Fridge
- Best Gujarati Film – Vash
- Best Assamese Film – Rangatapu 1982
- Best Kannada Film – Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope
- Best Odia Film – Pushkara
- Best Punjabi Film – Godday Godday Chaa
These films, though rooted in local cultures, touched on universal themes such as family, social issues, and personal triumph.
Technical Brilliance – Behind-the-Scenes Recognition
The National Awards also recognized technical excellence, which is crucial to cinema:
- Best Cinematography – The Kerala Story
- Best Editing – Pookalam (Malayalam)
- Best Makeup & Costume Design – Animal (Hindi)
- Best Sound Design – Animal
- Best Background Score – Animal
- Best Lyrics – Balagam (Telugu)
- Best Music Direction (Songs) – Vaathi (Tamil)
Special Mentions and Rising Stars
The jury also highlighted impressive performances from lesser-known names and debutants. Special mention awards were presented to films and individuals for promoting social messages, child-friendly content, and unique storytelling approaches.
The children’s category saw films like Pookalam and Vash being applauded for their heartwarming messages and strong young performers.
Reactions and Moments
- Vikrant Massey, visibly emotional, called the award a “dream come true” and dedicated it to underprivileged youth aspiring to succeed against all odds.
- Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude for being recognized after decades of dedication to cinema, calling it a “priceless honor.”
- Rani Mukerji spoke passionately about how Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway was a story that needed to be told and how the character changed her life.
- Karan Johar described his film’s win as a celebration of love and culture, with the film bridging generations and ideologies.
Final Thoughts
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 truly celebrated the rich tapestry of Indian cinema—embracing regional voices, mainstream icons, and technically sound storytelling. With a perfect blend of glamour, grit, and grace, this edition of the awards reinforced the idea that cinema is not just entertainment, but a mirror of society, emotions, and dreams.
From Shah Rukh Khan’s historic win to the rise of socially conscious cinema like 12th Fail, the event showcased the dynamic evolution of Indian filmmaking. As we move forward, these films will continue to inspire audiences and create conversations that matter.
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