The 71st National Film Awards were announced today, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films, documentaries, and short films. This year’s awards showcased a diverse mix of content, talent, and genres, with the film 12th Fail emerging as the Best Feature Film, while Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway) bagged the top acting honours for their powerful performances.
The announcement was made in the presence of Shri Ashutosh Gowariker (Feature Film Jury Chairperson), Shri P. Sheshadri (Non-Feature Film Jury Chairperson), and Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan MN, Joint Secretary (Films), with Ms. Mattu J. P. Singh, Director General, PIB, also present at the event.
Top Honours at a Glance
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
- Best Actor (Male): Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
- Best Actress (Female): Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway)
- Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man
- Best Documentary: God Vulture and Human
- Best Short Film: Giddh – The Scavenger
- Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics): Hanu-Man
A Landmark Win for 12th Fail
Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail struck a chord with audiences and critics alike for its inspiring story of resilience and perseverance. Based on the real-life journey of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, the film not only bagged Best Feature Film, but also earned Vikrant Massey the Best Actor award — marking a career milestone for the young actor.
Shah Rukh Khan’s First-Ever National Award
In a career spanning over three decades, Shah Rukh Khan finally clinched his first National Film Award for his performance in Jawan, where he portrayed a vigilante on a mission to fight corruption. The film, directed by Atlee, was praised for its mass appeal, action sequences, and socially relevant message. SRK’s win was widely celebrated as long overdue recognition from the national jury.
Rani Mukerji Shines as Best Actress
Rani Mukerji delivered a career-defining performance in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, a poignant legal drama based on a real-life child custody battle involving an Indian mother abroad. Her emotional depth and powerful portrayal earned her Best Actress, also her first National Film Award in a career that spans more than two decades.
Strong Showing in Non-Feature and Documentary Sections
The Best Non-Feature Film award went to Flowering Man, an evocative narrative that explores human connection with nature. Meanwhile, God Vulture and Human was adjudged Best Documentary, both winning their first-ever National Film Awards.
In the short film category, Giddh – The Scavenger took home the award, while Hanu-Man was recognised as the Best Film in the AVGC category, underlining the growing influence of animation and VFX in Indian cinema.
Supporting Role Winners and Other Highlights
Veteran actors Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar were honoured with Best Supporting Actor awards for their compelling roles, while Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala received the Best Supporting Actress award.
This year, the National Film Awards saw 332 entries in the feature film category, 115 in non-feature films, 27 books, and 16 critics’ submissions, reflecting the rich diversity and talent in Indian cinema today.
A Celebration of Indian Storytelling
The 71st National Film Awards not only recognised box office successes but also celebrated stories that inspired, challenged norms, and showcased the country’s cultural richness. From commercial blockbusters to intimate documentaries, the awards reaffirmed the role of cinema as a powerful medium for social change and artistic expression.
The official awards ceremony will be held in New Delhi later this month, where President Droupadi Murmu is expected to confer the honours in a grand celebration of Indian cinema.
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