Image Source: Deccan Herald
Key Highlights
The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, 2025, in New Delhi, recognizing outstanding cinematic achievements from films certified between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
Shah Rukh Khan (for "Jawan") and Vikrant Massey (for "12th Fail") jointly won the Best Actor Award, marking Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Best Actor award and a proud moment for Vikrant Massey’s powerful performance.
Rani Mukerji claimed the Best Actress Award for her role in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway," applauded for a compelling and sensitive portrayal.
The Best Feature Film went to the Hindi film "12th Fail," an inspiring drama based on a true story reflecting perseverance and determination.
The award jury was chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, continuing the tradition of celebrated industry figures leading the selection process.
Winners across Key Categories
Best Actor
Shah Rukh Khan for "Jawan"
Vikrant Massey for "12th Fail"
Both actors were honored for their diverse and impactful roles, with Shah Rukh Khan portraying an intense action drama hero and Vikrant Massey embodying the spirit of a determined student against all odds.
Best Actress
Rani Mukerji for "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway"
Her performance as a mother fighting a custodial battle overseas was widely praised for emotional depth and nuance.
Best Feature Film
"12th Fail" (Hindi)
The film was recognized for its inspiring narrative and social impact, highlighting themes of education and resilience.
Other Notable Awards
Best Director: Sudipto Sen for "The Kerala Story," a film noted for its bold storytelling and direction.
Best Supporting Actors: Urvashi ("Undercurrent") and Janaki ("Vash") for Best Supporting Actress; Vijayaraghavan ("Pookkaalam") and Mutthupettai Somu Bhaskar ("Parking") for Best Supporting Actor.
Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani."
Best Film Promoting National and Social Values: "Sam Bahadur," recognized for its patriotic theme.
Best Child Artists: Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, Kabir Khandane, and Treesh Thosar.
Technical Awards include Best Cinematography (Prasantanu Mohapatra for "The Kerala Story"), Best Screenplay (Sai Rajesh Neelam for "Baby" and Ramkumar Balakrishna for "Parking"), and Best Dialogue Writer (Deepak Kingrani for "Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai").
Best Music Direction for Songs went to "Vaathi" (Tamil), and Background Score to "Animal."
Best Male Playback Singer: PVM S. Rohit for "Premisthunna."
Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for "Chaliya."
Best Action Choreography: Awarded to "Hanu-Man" (Telugu), highlighting excellence in stunt and action design.
Regional Film Honorees
Best Tamil Film: "Parking"
Best Telugu Film: "Bhagavanth Kesari"
Best Malayalam Film: "Ullozhukku"
Best Kannada Film: "Kandeelu - The Ray of Hope"
Best Marathi Film: "Shyamchi Aai"
Best Bengali Film: "Deep Fridge"
Best Gujarati Film: "Vash"
Best Punjabi Film: "Godday Godday Chaa"
Best Odia Film: "Pushkara"
Best Assamese Film: "Rangatapu 1982."
Significance and Highlights
These awards reinforce the diversity and strength of Indian cinema, covering multiple languages and themes ranging from socially relevant dramas, patriotic narratives, to commercial entertainers that resonate widely.
Shah Rukh Khan’s breakthrough Best Actor award marks a milestone for one of India’s most iconic actors, applauded for a career-spanning acknowledgment.
Vikrant Massey’s shared Best Actor win draws attention to the increasing recognition of content-driven films with strong performances beyond star power.
Rani Mukerji’s Best Actress award highlights the continuing relevance of stories with strong female protagonists and social justice themes.
Ceremony and Governance
The jury, led by Ashutosh Gowariker, conducted a meticulous review of eligible films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification in 2023.
Awards aim to encourage excellence and inspire filmmakers to push creative and technical boundaries in Indian cinema.
The National Film Awards, established in 1954, remain one of India’s most prestigious film accolades recognizing artistic and technical merit across the nation’s film industries.
Conclusion
The 71st National Film Awards beautifully celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian cinema with marquee wins by Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji alongside commendations for outstanding films from across the country. The event underscores the evolving nature of Indian films—balancing mass appeal with meaningful narratives—and continues to honor talents that shape the cultural fabric. This year’s winners reflect the strength, diversity, and dynamism of Indian filmmaking in 2025.
Sources: Indian Express, Times of India, NDTV, PIB India
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