The results are in! The 71st National Film Awards brought out the stars and celebrated the best in Indian cinema. This year, Hindi films really shone brightly, with many talented artists and amazing movies taking home top honors. It was a day to remember for creators and movie lovers alike.
One of the biggest headlines was Shah Rukh Khan finally getting his first National Award. He won for his powerful work in the film Jawan. In the movie, he truly impressed everyone with a challenging double role, playing both an army officer and his son. Director Atlee crafted a thrilling story mixing patriotism, important social messages, and exciting action. It easily became one of Shah Rukh’s most successful movies ever.
Talent Taking the Stage
Another actor stealing the spotlight was Vikrant Massey. He earned the Best Actor National Award for his role in 12th Fail. This inspiring film is based on a true story. It shows a determined student facing many social and economic challenges while trying to pass the UPSC exam. The film truly motivates anyone who watches it.
Rani Mukerji also won big, taking home the Best Actress award for Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway. Her portrayal of an Indian mother was incredibly moving. The film is based on a true story about a mother fighting the Norwegian social system to get her children back. Rani’s powerful acting made the film deeply emotional and truly unforgettable.
Stories That Stick
The social satire Kathal won the National Award for Best Hindi Film. This movie features Sanya Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, and Anant Joshi in key roles. The story is set in a small town where two jackfruits are stolen. A female police officer is then tasked with solving this unusual case.
The courtroom drama Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, starring Manoj Bajpayee, received the National Award for Best Dialogue. Manoj Bajpayee delivered a strong performance as a lawyer in the film. The dialogues, written by Deepak Kingrani, were particularly impactful and made the movie stand out.
Despite its controversies, The Kerala Story was recognized for Best Cinematography. The film’s visual style and storytelling were praised by both audiences and critics. It tells the story of girls who were tricked into religious conversion.
Popular Picks and Technical Triumphs
Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt’s film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. This romantic comedy also picked up the Best Choreography award for its song ‘Dhindhora Baje Re’.
Ranbir Kapoor’s film Animal was recognized for its excellent sound design. Sachin Sudhakaran and Hariharan Muralidharan were honored with the National Award for their work on the film’s sound.
Vicky Kaushal’s film Sam Bahadur had a fantastic showing, winning three National Awards. Shrikant Desai received the Best Makeup Artist award for his work on the film. Sachin Lovalekar, Divya Gambhir, and Nidhi Gambhir were honored with the Best Costume Designer award. Additionally, Sam Bahadur also won the National Award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values.
This year’s National Awards truly celebrated the rich and diverse storytelling coming out of Hindi cinema. From thrilling action to heartwarming true stories, the awards showcased the incredible talent behind these memorable movies.