Film Icons Shine: 72nd National Film Awards Winners Announced

Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, and Yami Gautam lead a historic list of honorees at the 72nd National Film Awards, recognizing the best of 2024 cinema.

NEW DELHI — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officially announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards on July 18, 2026, honoring the finest cinematic achievements certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the 2024 calendar year. In a ceremony that highlighted both veteran excellence and modern storytelling, Malayalam superstar Mammootty, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, and actress Yami Gautam emerged as the top acting winners.

The awards, which serve as India’s highest honor in the film industry, were decided by an 11-member jury headed by filmmaker Jayaraj. The event has set a new benchmark for pan-Indian recognition, celebrating films that have resonated with audiences across diverse regional languages and genres.

Top Acting Honors and Milestone Wins

The 72nd National Film Awards saw a significant tie in the "Best Actor in a Leading Role" category. Malayalam legend Mammootty secured his fourth National Award for his haunting performance in the horror-thriller Bramayugam. Sharing the honor was Kartik Aaryan, who earned his debut National Film Award for his physically transformative role in the sports drama Chandu Champion.

Yami Gautam was named the "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for her powerful portrayal in the political action-thriller Article 370. The film itself received the prestigious "Best Feature Film" award, cementing its status as a critical and commercial standout of the year.

Cinematic Excellence Across Categories

The jury recognized excellence across a broad spectrum of production and technical categories. Kalki 2898 AD, a visionary mythological sci-fi epic, was awarded "Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment," highlighting the audience's appreciation for large-scale storytelling.

Meanwhile, the Tamil film Amaran dominated several technical categories, including "Best Direction" for Rajkumar Periasamy and "Best Background Music" for G.V. Prakash Kumar. Other notable wins included Randeep Hooda’s Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which was named the "Best Debut Film of a Director".

Impact on the Industry

The declaration of the 72nd National Film Awards is a major moment for investors, fans, and filmmakers alike. By honoring films like Bramayugam and Article 370, the awards continue to validate the commercial viability and artistic depth of regional and high-concept Hindi cinema. For fans, these results offer a curated look at the year's most significant works, while for the industry, the recognition serves as a marker for future investment in storytelling and technical innovation.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Best Feature Film: Article 370 (Hindi).

• Best Actor (Shared): Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion).

• Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370).

• Best Popular Film: Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu).

• Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy for Amaran (Tamil).

FAQ

When were the 72nd National Film Awards announced?

The winners were officially announced on July 18, 2026, in New Delhi.

Who shared the Best Actor award this year?

Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the "Best Actor in a Leading Role" honor for their performances in Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively.

Which film won Best Feature Film?

The political thriller Article 370 was adjudged the Best Feature Film.

What period does the 72nd National Film Awards cover?

The awards honor films that received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the 2024 calendar year.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), The Hindu, Indian Express, GKToday