New Delhi, August 2, 2025
The 71st National Film Awards, announced yesterday at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema for films released in 2023. With a jury led by acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, this year’s awards highlighted a diverse range of cinematic excellence, from Bollywood blockbusters to regional gems, showcasing the vibrant storytelling that defines Indian cinema. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of the winners, standout moments, and what these accolades mean for the industry.
Top Honors: Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Film
The spotlight shone brightly on Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, who clinched his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for his high-octane performance in Jawan. Sharing the honor was Vikrant Massey, whose nuanced portrayal in 12th Fail earned him the same award, marking a significant milestone in his career. The Best Actress award went to Rani Mukerji for her emotionally charged role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a film that resonated deeply with audiences for its poignant narrative about a mother’s fight for her children.
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12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, emerged as the crown jewel, bagging the prestigious Best Feature Film award. The film, a stirring tale of perseverance based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, was lauded for its compelling storytelling and universal appeal.
Regional Cinema Shines Bright
The National Film Awards 2025 also celebrated the richness of regional cinema. Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan won Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, for their performances in Ullozhukku (Malayalam), while M.S. Bhaskar shared the Best Supporting Actor honor for Parking (Tamil). The Kerala Story secured awards for Best Cinematography and saw its director, Sudipto Sen, win Best Direction, sparking discussions due to the film’s polarizing narrative.
Other regional winners included Vash (Best Gujarati Film), Ullozhukku (Best Malayalam Film), Parking (Best Tamil Film), and Bhagavanth Kesari (Best Telugu Film). Hanu-Man took home the award for Best Action Direction, recognizing its thrilling sequences, while also winning in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) category.
Bollywood’s Blockbusters and Wholesome Entertainment
Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, with Johar expressing his gratitude for the recognition, calling it a film “exceptionally close to my heart.” The film also won additional awards, cementing its place as a crowd-pleaser with critical acclaim. Kathal was honored as the Best Hindi Film, celebrated for its unique blend of satire and social commentary.
Other Notable Winners
- Best Children’s Film: Naal 2 (Marathi) was recognized for its heartfelt storytelling.
- Best Film Promoting National, Social Values: This category highlighted films that addressed pressing societal issues, though specific winners varied across sources.
- Best Stunt Choreography and Best Special Effects: Jawan also secured awards in these technical categories, underscoring its action-packed appeal.
Controversies and Conversations
While the awards were a moment of celebration, they weren’t without controversy. Some voices on social media, particularly on X, questioned the credibility of the awards, alleging political influence in selections like Jawan and The Kerala Story. One post described the awards as “politicized,” pointing to Shah Rukh Khan’s win as potentially influenced by factors beyond merit. However, these claims remain speculative and reflect ongoing debates about the selection process.
Why the National Film Awards Matter
Established in 1954, the National Film Awards are India’s most prestigious cinematic honors, presented by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This year’s jury, chaired by Ashutosh Gowariker—whose own film Lagaan remains the most awarded in the ceremony’s history—evaluated films certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2023. The awards recognize excellence across feature films, non-feature films, and technical categories, celebrating both mainstream and independent cinema.
What’s Next?
The 71st National Film Awards have set the stage for a vibrant 2025 in Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Award win at 59 is a testament to his enduring legacy, while Vikrant Massey’s recognition signals the rise of a new generation of actors. Rani Mukerji’s win further solidifies her status as one of Bollywood’s most versatile performers. With regional films like Ullozhukku and Parking gaining national acclaim, the awards highlight the growing influence of diverse narratives in Indian cinema.
For fans and cinephiles, this year’s winners offer a treasure trove of films to revisit or discover. From the action-packed Jawan to the inspiring 12th Fail, the 71st National Film Awards celebrate the power of storytelling to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. Stay tuned for more updates on how these wins shape the industry’s future!
Sources: Indian Express, Times of India, NDTV, and posts on X
