71st National Film Awards 2025: A Celebration of Indian Cinema
The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, marked a significant milestone in recognizing the artistic and technical excellence of Indian cinema for films released in 2023. Presented by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these awards celebrate the diversity, creativity, and cultural richness of Indian filmmaking. Unlike commercial awards driven by popularity, the National Film Awards are merit-based, judged by a panel of industry experts, critics, and scholars, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process. This year’s awards highlighted both mainstream blockbusters and regional gems, showcasing the breadth and depth of Indian cinema across various languages and genres.
The ceremony, chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker for the Feature Film category and P. Sheshadri for the Non-Feature Film category, honored films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023. The awards were conferred with prestigious Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal) and Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal) awards, accompanied by certificates and cash prizes. This blog delves into the winners, categorized by industry and actors, with detailed tables to provide a comprehensive overview of the 71st National Film Awards.
Overview of the 71st National Film Awards
Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards have been a cornerstone of Indian cinema, celebrating excellence in storytelling, acting, direction, and technical craftsmanship. The 71st edition continued this tradition, recognizing films across over 30 Indian languages, from Hindi and Tamil to lesser-known languages like Tai Phake and Garo. The awards are divided into Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Writing on Cinema, with a two-tier evaluation process involving a central committee and five regional committees to ensure comprehensive representation.
The 2023 cinematic year was particularly vibrant, with blockbusters like Pathaan, Jawan, and Animal dominating the box office, while critically acclaimed films like 12th Fail, The Kerala Story, and Ullozhukku resonated with audiences for their storytelling and social relevance. The awards reflected this diversity, honoring both commercial successes and artistic triumphs. Below, we categorize the winners by film industry and highlight the actors and technicians who shone at the 71st National Film Awards.
Awards by Film Industry
The National Film Awards celebrate the diversity of Indian cinema by recognizing films in various regional languages, alongside Hindi cinema, which often dominates mainstream discourse. The 71st edition saw a strong presence from South Indian industries (Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada), as well as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, and smaller linguistic industries. Below is a detailed breakdown of the awards by industry, presented in tables for clarity.
Hindi Film Industry (Bollywood)
The Hindi film industry, often synonymous with Bollywood, secured some of the most prestigious awards at the 71st National Film Awards. Films like 12th Fail, Jawan, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and Kathal were celebrated for their storytelling, performances, and technical achievements. Notably, 12th Fail emerged as a standout, clinching the Best Feature Film award, while Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor honor, and Rani Mukerji won Best Actress.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Director), VC Films LLP (Producer) | 12th Fail |
| Best Actor (Shared) | Shah Rukh Khan | Jawan |
| Best Actor (Shared) | Vikrant Massey | 12th Fail |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji | Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway |
| Best Hindi Film | Yashowardhan Mishra (Director), Netflix Entertainment Services Pvt Ltd, Balaji Telefilms Ltd, Sikhya Entertainment Pvt Ltd (Producers) | Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery |
| Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | Karan Johar (Director), Dharma Productions (Producer) | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Best Cinematography | Prasantanu Mohapatra | The Kerala Story |
| Best Direction | Sudipto Sen | The Kerala Story |
| Best Female Playback Singer | Shilpa Rao | Chaleya (Jawan) |
| Best Music Direction (Background Score) | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Animal |
| Best Sound Design | Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan Muralidharan | Animal |
| Special Mention (Re-Recording) | MR Rajakrishnan | Animal |
12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, was a critical and commercial success, telling the inspiring story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. Shah Rukh Khan’s first-ever National Award for Jawan marked a historic moment in his 33-year career, while Rani Mukerji’s win for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway was celebrated as a validation of her 30-year contribution to cinema. Animal’s technical awards highlighted its intense sound design and background score, despite its controversial narrative.
Malayalam Film Industry
The Malayalam film industry continued its legacy of producing critically acclaimed cinema, with films like Ullozhukku, Pookkaalam, and 2018: Everyone is a Hero winning major honors. The industry’s focus on nuanced storytelling and strong performances was evident in the awards for acting, editing, and production design.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Malayalam Film | Christo Tomy (Director), RSVP (Producer) | Ullozhukku |
| Best Supporting Actress | Urvashi | Ullozhukku |
| Best Supporting Actor | Vijayaraghavan | Pookkaalam |
| Best Editing | Mahesh Narayanan | Pookkaalam |
| Best Production Design | Jude Anthany Joseph (Director) | 2018: Everyone is a Hero |
| Special Mention | M.K. Ramadas (Director) | Nekal – Chronicle of the Paddy Man |
Ullozhukku, directed by Christo Tomy, was lauded for its emotional depth, with Urvashi’s supporting role earning widespread praise. Pookkaalam showcased Vijayaraghavan’s versatility, while 2018’s production design captured the harrowing reality of the Kerala floods.
Tamil Film Industry
The Tamil film industry, known for its blend of commercial and artistic cinema, saw Parking and Vaathi take home significant awards. Parking was particularly notable for its multiple wins, including Best Tamil Film and Best Screenplay.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Tamil Film | Ramkumar Balakrishnan (Director) | Parking |
| Best Supporting Actor | Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar | Parking |
| Best Screenplay | Ramkumar Balakrishnan | Parking |
| Best Music Direction (Songs) | GV Prakash Kumar | Vaathi |
| Best Cinematography (Non-Feature Film) | Saravanamaruthu Soundarapandi, Meenakshi Soman | Little Wings |
Parking, a simple yet powerful drama about an ego clash, was celebrated for its tight screenplay and M.S. Bhaskar’s compelling performance. Vaathi’s music by GV Prakash Kumar added emotional resonance to the film’s narrative.
Telugu Film Industry
The Telugu industry, which has gained national prominence in recent years, was well-represented with films like Bhagavanth Kesari, Balagam, Baby, and HanuMan. The industry’s emotional and action-packed storytelling was recognized across multiple categories.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Telugu Film | Anil Ravipudi (Director) | Bhagavanth Kesari |
| Best Lyrics | Kasarla Shyam | Ooru Palletooru (Balagam) |
| Best Male Playback Singer | PVN S Rohit | Premisthunna (Baby) |
| Best Action Direction | Nandu, Prudhvi | HanuMan |
| Best Child Artist | Sukriti Bandireddi | Gandhi Thatha Chettu |
Balagam’s heartfelt portrayal of rural Telangana resonated deeply, with Kasarla Shyam’s lyrics capturing the essence of nostalgia. Bhagavanth Kesari, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, was praised for its empowering narrative, while HanuMan’s action sequences were a highlight.
Other Regional Film Industries
The 71st National Film Awards also celebrated films from Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Kannada, and smaller linguistic industries like Tai Phake and Garo, showcasing India’s cinematic diversity.
| Category | Winner | Film | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Marathi Film | Sudhir Attavar (Director) | Shyamchi Aai | Marathi |
| Best Gujarati Film | Krishnadev Yagnik (Director) | Vash | Gujarati |
| Best Supporting Actress | Janki Bodiwala | Vash | Gujarati |
| Best Punjabi Film | Jatinder Mauhar (Director) | Godday Godday Chaa | Punjabi |
| Best Odia Film | Jitendra Mishra (Director) | Pushkara | Odia |
| Best Bengali Film | Srijit Mukherji (Director) | Deep Fridge | Bengali |
| Best Assamese Film | Utpal Borpujari (Director) | Rongatapu 1982 | Assamese |
| Best Kannada Film | Shashidhar B.G. (Director) | Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope | Kannada |
| Best Tai Phake Film | Monjul Baruah (Director) | Pai Tang…Step of Hope | Tai Phake |
| Best Garo Film | Dominic Sangma (Director) | Rimdottianga | Garo |
| Best Debut Film | Ashish Bende (Director) | Aatmapamphlet | Marathi |
The recognition of films in languages like Tai Phake and Garo underscores the awards’ commitment to inclusivity, celebrating stories from India’s diverse linguistic communities. Vash’s Janki Bodiwala stood out for her supporting role, while Shyamchi Aai and Aatmapamphlet reinforced Marathi cinema’s storytelling prowess.
Non-Feature Films
The Non-Feature Film category, which includes documentaries, short films, and animation, also saw remarkable achievements. These films, often overshadowed by feature films, were celebrated for their artistic and social impact.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Non-Feature Film | Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar (Director) | Flowering Man |
| Best Direction | Piyush Thakur | The First Film |
| Best Documentary | Not Specified | God Vulture and Human |
| Best Cinematography | Saravanamaruthu Soundarapandi, Meenakshi Soman | Little Wings (Tamil) |
| Best Script | Chidanand Naik | Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know (Kannada) |
| Special Mention | M.K. Ramadas (Director) | Nekal – Chronicle of the Paddy Man (Malayalam) |
Flowering Man’s win as Best Non-Feature Film highlighted the power of short-form storytelling, while The First Film showcased innovative direction.
Notable Actors Honored
The acting categories at the 71st National Film Awards were particularly competitive, with both veteran and emerging actors receiving recognition. Below is a detailed look at the actors who won in the leading and supporting categories, along with child artists who left an impression.
Best Actor in a Leading Role
| Actor | Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Jawan | Hindi |
| Vikrant Massey | 12th Fail | Hindi |
Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Award for Jawan was a landmark achievement, recognizing his electrifying performance in Atlee’s action-packed thriller. Vikrant Massey, sharing the award, was lauded for his portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail, a role that resonated with audiences for its authenticity and emotional depth. Massey dedicated his award to marginalized communities, emphasizing the film’s social impact.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
| Actress | Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Rani Mukerji | Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway | Hindi |
Rani Mukerji’s win for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway was a testament to her ability to portray complex, emotional roles. She expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting it as her first National Award in a 30-year career and a validation of her dedication to cinema.
Best Supporting Actor
| Actor | Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Vijayaraghavan | Pookkaalam | Malayalam |
| Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar | Parking | Tamil |
Vijayaraghavan’s nuanced performance in Pookkaalam and M.S. Bhaskar’s compelling role in Parking showcased the strength of veteran actors in regional cinema. Their wins highlighted the importance of supporting roles in elevating a film’s narrative.
Best Supporting Actress
| Actress | Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Urvashi | Ullozhukku | Malayalam |
| Janki Bodiwala | Vash | Gujarati |
Urvashi’s performance in Ullozhukku was celebrated for its emotional intensity, while Janki Bodiwala’s role in Vash added depth to the Gujarati film’s narrative. Both actresses were pivotal in their films’ success.
Best Child Artist
| Child Artist | Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Sukriti Bandireddi | Gandhi Thatha Chettu | Telugu |
| Kabir Khandare | Gypsy | Not Specified |
| Treesha Toshar | Naal 2 | Marathi |
| Shrinivas Pokale | Naal 2 | Marathi |
| Bhargav | Naal 2 | Marathi |
The child artists recognized this year, particularly Sukriti Bandireddi in Gandhi Thatha Chettu and the ensemble in Naal 2, brought authenticity and innocence to their roles, earning praise for their natural performances.
Technical and Other Notable Awards
Beyond acting and direction, the 71st National Film Awards recognized excellence in technical categories, music, and writing on cinema, showcasing the behind-the-scenes talent that shapes Indian films.
| Category | Winner | Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Choreography | Vaibhavi Merchant | Dindhora Baje Re (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) | Hindi |
| Best Makeup | Shrikanth Desai | Sam Bahadur | Hindi |
| Best Costume Design | Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambir, Nidhhi Gambhir | Sam Bahadur | Hindi |
| Best Screenplay | Sai Rajesh | Baby | Telugu |
| Best Dialogue | Deepak Kingrani | Sirf Ek Bandha Kaafi Hai | Hindi |
| Best Film Critic | Utpal Datta | - | Assamese |
Technical awards, such as those for Sam Bahadur’s makeup and costume design, highlighted the film’s attention to historical accuracy. Vaibhavi Merchant’s choreography in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani added vibrancy to the film’s narrative, while Utpal Datta’s contributions to film criticism were recognized for their intellectual rigor.
Significance of the 71st National Film Awards
The 71st National Film Awards underscored the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where mainstream blockbusters like Jawan and Animal coexisted with critically acclaimed films like 12th Fail and Ullozhukku. The awards also highlighted the growing influence of regional cinema, with South Indian industries securing significant honors. The recognition of films in languages like Tai Phake and Garo emphasized the awards’ commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that stories from all corners of India are celebrated.
The jury, led by Ashutosh Gowariker, whose own film Lagaan remains the most awarded in National Film Awards history, ensured a meticulous selection process. The awards’ focus on merit over popularity allowed films like Kathal and Parking to shine alongside commercial giants. The ceremony, set to be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu conferring the awards, promises to be a grand celebration of Indian cinema’s diversity and talent.
Conclusion
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 were a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of Indian cinema, honoring films, actors, and technicians who pushed the boundaries of storytelling and craftsmanship. From Shah Rukh Khan’s historic first win to the recognition of regional gems like Ullozhukku and Balagam, the awards celebrated the power of cinema to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, the National Film Awards remain a beacon of excellence, fostering creativity and cultural pride.
For more details on the winners and the awards process, visit the official Press Information Bureau or the National Film Awards website. Stay tuned for the award ceremony, where the industry’s finest will be celebrated in the presence of dignitaries and cinema enthusiasts.
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