Image Source: The Indian Express
The heart of Indian cinema beat loud and proud in New Delhi this evening, as stalwarts, newcomers, and cinephiles converged at Vigyan Bhawan for the 71st National Film Awards — a ceremony brimming with history, emotion, and firsts. With President Droupadi Murmu conferring top honors, the 2025 edition etched its mark thanks to long-awaited triumphs and groundbreaking stories.
Key Takeaways At A Glance
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Shah Rukh Khan wins his first National Film Award for Best Actor for 'Jawan' after over 30 years in the industry, sharing the honor with Vikrant Massey of '12th Fail'.
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'12th Fail', a hard-hitting biographical drama, sweeps Best Feature Film, while Sudipto Sen bags Best Director for 'The Kerala Story'.
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Rani Mukerji takes the Best Actress trophy for 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'.
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The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest cinematic honor, goes to Malayalam legend Mohanlal
A Night of Firsts and Celebrations
The atmosphere at Vigyan Bhawan was electric as Shah Rukh Khan, famed as the "King of Bollywood," finally clinched his maiden National Film Award for Best Actor for the Atlee-directed blockbuster 'Jawan'. Donning a regal black bandhgala with signature flair, Khan’s victory was an emotional high for fans and industry insiders alike. Sharing the Best Actor spotlight, Vikrant Massey’s nuanced performance in '12th Fail' — the inspiring story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma — also earned widespread acclaim. Massey dedicated his win to India’s marginalised, stating that the film and role gave a voice to unheard dreams.
Viewers cheered as Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s '12th Fail', the sleeper hit biopic chronicling Sharma’s rise from abject poverty, was crowned Best Feature Film. Director Sudipto Sen’s tense legal drama 'The Kerala Story' won him the Best Director award, reiterating the growing prominence of issue-based storytelling in Hindi cinema.
Diversity and Excellence Take Center Stage
The awards lauded a spectrum of talent and regional storytelling:
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Rani Mukerji claimed Best Actress for her turn in the poignant 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'.
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Mohanlal, a titan of Malayalam cinema, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
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Best Hindi Film: Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery
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Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
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Films from every linguistic and cultural background were honored, including 'Bhagavanth Kesari' (Telugu), 'Ullozhukku' (Malayalam), and 'Parking' (Tamil)
Other Major Laurels and Notable Winners
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Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
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Best Music Direction: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Songs – 'Vaathi'), Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Background – 'Animal')
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Best Male Playback Singer: P.V.N. S. Rohit for 'Baby' (Telugu)
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Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for 'Jawan' (Hindi)
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Best Cinematography: Prasanthanu Mohapatra for The Kerala Story
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Special Mention: M.R. Radhakrishnan for re-recording mixing in 'Animal'
The Cultural Impact and What Lies Ahead
Today’s National Film Awards not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also highlighted shifting paradigms. Biopic dramas and social commentaries dominated the narrative, with stories like '12th Fail' resonating deeply thanks to their authenticity and emotional heft. Shah Rukh Khan’s historic win underscores both the industry’s enduring legacy and its constant evolution.
Source: Indian Express, NDTV, Times of India, and Business Standard
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