The highly anticipated 71st National Film Awards have finally been announced, with several notable performances and films earning top honours. The ceremony, which will later take place in New Delhi, is being live-streamed on DD News and its official YouTube channel.
Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey Share Best Actor Award
In a landmark moment, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey have jointly won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award. Shah Rukh’s powerful dual performance in Jawan, and Vikrant’s critically acclaimed portrayal in 12th Fail, have both been honoured. This marks the first National Film Award win for both actors, adding a new feather to their caps.
Rani Mukerji Wins Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway
Rani Mukerji has taken home the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her emotional and gripping performance in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway. Inspired by the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty, the film showcases a mother’s legal battle against a foreign government for the custody of her children.
Animal Bags Two Key Technical Awards
Ranbir Kapoor’s intense action drama Animal has won big in technical categories. The film earned:
Best Sound Design – Sachin Sudhakaran & Hariharan Muralidharan
Best Music Direction and a Special Mention for its Re-recording Mixer
Sam Bahadur Wins for Makeup and Costume
Vicky Kaushal’s biographical war film Sam Bahadur has secured two wins:
Best Makeup – Shrikant Desai
Best Costume Design – Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambhir & Nidhhi Gambhir
BEST FILM PROMOTING NATIONAL SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES – #Sambahadur #VickyKaushal
— Studio Flicks (@StudioFlicks) August 1, 2025
71st National Awards#71stNationalFilmAwards#nationalawards pic.twitter.com/nPHaHDqReq
Kathal Named Best Hindi Film
Sanya Malhotra-starrer Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery has been awarded Best Hindi Film in the Feature Films category. Directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, the satirical comedy is currently streaming on Netflix.
71st National Awards For Best Hindi Movie #Kathal #71stNationalFilmAwards#nationalawards pic.twitter.com/QmuHGtjLms
— Studio Flicks (@StudioFlicks) August 1, 2025
Flowering Man’ Wins Best Non-Feature Film
The Best Non-Feature Film Award has been awarded to Flowering Man (Hindi), a poignant short film directed by Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar and produced by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). The film has been praised for its artistic depth and unique narrative, reinforcing the strength of student-led cinema in India.
‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ Bags Award for Wholesome Entertainment
Karan Johar’s family entertainer Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award. Marking Johar’s return to direction after nearly seven years, the film stars Ranveer Singh as Rocky Randhawa and Alia Bhatt as Rani Chatterjee, alongside veterans Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan. With its blend of humour, emotion, music, and social commentary, the film struck a chord with both audiences and critics.
‘12th Fail’ Wins Best Feature Film
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s critically acclaimed 12th Fail has earned the prestigious Best Feature Film Award. Based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, the film is adapted from the book 12th Fail by Anurag Pathak. Vikrant Massey stars in the lead, delivering a standout performance as the underdog hero who overcomes poverty and failure to join the Indian Police Service.
Deepak Kingrani Wins for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai
Deepak Kingrani bagged the award for Best Dialogue Writing in the Best Screenplay category for his impactful work in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. The courtroom drama, headlined by Manoj Bajpayee, was praised for its powerful lines that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Sudipto Sen Wins Best Director for The Kerala Story
Director Sudipto Sen received the Best Direction Award for The Kerala Story, a film that stirred national conversation. The film also won Best Cinematography, showcasing its technical finesse.
Starring Adah Sharma, The Kerala Story claims to be inspired by the alleged real-life stories of three women from Kerala who were radicalised and recruited by ISIS.
