The 71st National Film Awards, presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, honored the finest achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2023. This year’s ceremony was marked by significant milestones and celebrated a diverse range of films and performances from across the country.
Quick Highlights
- Best Actor (Joint): Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail
- Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for Mrs Chatterjee vs. Norway
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
- Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Best Popular Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man
- Best Documentary: God Vulture and Human
- Best Child Artist: Sreepath for Malikappuram
Ceremony Highlights
The awards ceremony was a star-studded affair, with luminaries from the film industry gathering to celebrate excellence. President Murmu conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award upon Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, recognising his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. The evening also saw emotional moments, such as Rani Mukerji receiving her first National Award for her powerful portrayal in Mrs Chatterjee vs. Norway. Her mother, Krishna Mukherjee, expressed that the recognition was long overdue, highlighting her daughter’s earlier performance in Black as deserving of similar acclaim.
Best Actor: A Shared Honour
In a rare occurrence, the Best Actor award was shared between Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey. Khan was lauded for his intense performance in Jawan, while Massey received acclaim for his role in the socially impactful film 12th Fail. Both actors have expressed immense gratitude for the recognition, marking significant milestones in their illustrious careers.
Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
12th Fail, a poignant narrative about resilience and determination, clinched the Best Feature Film award. The film’s success was further underscored by its director, Sudipto Sen, winning the Best Director award for his compelling storytelling and direction.
Regional Cinema Shines
Regional films garnered well-deserved attention at this year’s awards. Pushkara, an Odia film directed by Subhransu Das, was honoured as the Best Odia Film. Additionally, The Kerala Story received accolades for Best Direction, and Parking, a Tamil film, was recognised for its exceptional editing and performances.
Other Notable Winners
- Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan for Pookkaalam (Malayalam)
- Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi for Parking (Tamil)
- Best Editing: Niladri Roy for Moving Focus
- Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra for The Kerala Story
- Best Child Artist: Sreepath for Malikappuram
The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the rich tapestry of Indian cinema, encompassing diverse languages, cultures, and narratives. The ceremony served as a reminder of the power of storytelling and its ability to resonate with audiences across the globe.
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