Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty, Yami Gautam Secure Top Honors at 72nd National Film Awards

NEW DELHI — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officially announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards today, July 18, 2026, honoring the finest cinematic achievements of the 2024 calendar year. In a highly anticipated reveal, veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty and Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor (Leading Role) award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress for her performance in the political thriller Article 370.

The awards, which recognize excellence in film production, acting, and technical achievement, were selected by a distinguished jury chaired by filmmaker Jayaraj. The announcement highlights a banner year for Indian cinema, characterized by a mix of box-office blockbusters, critically acclaimed independent films, and ambitious genre-bending projects that defined the industry’s output over the last 12 months.

A Historic Night for Indian Cinema

The top acting categories saw intense competition this year, reflecting the diversity of content across languages and regions. Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Paralympic champion Murlikant Petkar in the sports biopic Chandu Champion earned him his first National Film Award, marking a significant milestone in the actor’s decade-long career. Sharing the honor is the legendary Mammootty, recognized for his haunting, critically lauded performance in the folk-horror film Bramayugam.

Yami Gautam secured the Best Actress award for her role as a covert field agent in Article 370. The film, which also received the award for Best Feature Film, was cited by the jury for its intense narrative and technical precision. The recognition of these performances underscores the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where historical drama, sports biopics, and regional horror are capturing both popular attention and critical validation.

Full List of Key Feature Film Winners

The jury, headed by Jayaraj, finalized the winners from a diverse pool of films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

Regional Dominance and Technical Excellence

While the leading acting categories grabbed headlines, the technical awards emphasized the growing standard of production design and visual effects in Indian films. Kalki 2898 AD, which secured the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, also picked up the award for Best Production Design, signaling the industry's successful push into large-scale, high-concept world-building.

In the directorial category, Rajkumar Periasamy was awarded Best Director for the action-drama Amaran. The film, celebrated for its balanced storytelling and emotional depth, was one of several major regional hits to dominate the jury’s shortlist alongside other notable entries like Maharaja and Bramayugam.

Official Sources Section

The list of winners was officially released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and formally announced by the 72nd National Film Awards jury in New Delhi. All information regarding the award categories, specific film certifications, and jury composition has been corroborated via official Ministry of Information and Broadcasting communications.

Quote Section

"The 72nd National Film Awards recognize the best achievements in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films, and writings on cinema," the Press Information Bureau stated in its official release regarding the selection process.

According to officials, the jury faced one of the most challenging selection cycles in recent memory due to the sheer volume of high-quality commercial and independent cinema released throughout 2024.

Why It Matters

The National Film Awards serve as the definitive benchmark for cinematic quality in India. For winners like Kartik Aaryan and Yami Gautam, these accolades represent a pinnacle of professional achievement, validating their transition into more challenging, script-driven roles.

For the broader film industry, the inclusion of films like Bramayugam, Chandu Champion, and Article 370 suggests a healthy market where mid-budget dramas and high-concept biopics can compete on an equal footing with large-scale studio productions. Investors and producers often view these wins as a key metric for "prestige status," which can influence future film financing and distribution strategies in global markets.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Major Acting Win: Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared the Best Actor honor, marking a rare convergence of mainstream Hindi cinema and regional mastery.

• Top Film: Article 370 won Best Feature Film, with Yami Gautam winning Best Actress for her lead role.

• Jury Chair: The selection was managed by a 11-member jury chaired by filmmaker Jayaraj.

• Diversity in Winners: The awards recognized a broad spectrum of films, including sports biopics, folk horror, and historical action-thrillers.

FAQ Section

How are National Film Award winners selected?

Winners are selected by an independent jury appointed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The panel evaluates films certified by the CBFC during the calendar year, focusing on artistic merit, technical proficiency, and social impact.

What distinguishes the National Film Awards from other film ceremonies?

Unlike commercial awards ceremonies often based on popularity, the National Film Awards are state-sponsored and prioritize artistic and aesthetic excellence. They represent the highest honor bestowed upon Indian cinematic works.

How does this impact the actors' careers?

Winning a National Film Award is considered a career-defining moment. It often grants actors increased credibility, helps secure more challenging roles, and solidifies their status as serious performers within the Indian film industry.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 72nd National Film Awards Jury Announcements.