The 71st National Film Awards have once again highlighted the richness of Indian cinema, honoring films that entertain, inform, and inspire. From big-budget entertainers to socially relevant stories, and from debut directors to seasoned veterans, the awards captured the spirit of a thriving industry that continues to evolve and expand its horizons.
The 71st National Film Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in Indian cinema, were presented on Tuesday at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The ceremony was graced by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, who felicitated actors, filmmakers, and technicians for their outstanding contributions to Indian cinema in 2025.
This year’s awards celebrated a diverse range of films and performances that not only entertained but also highlighted social issues, cultural values, and creative brilliance. From Shah Rukh Khan’s power-packed performance in Jawan to Vikrant Massey’s moving portrayal in 12th Fail, and from Rani Mukerji’s compelling act in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway to Sudipto Sen’s hard-hitting direction in The Kerala Story, the winners’ list represents the finest in contemporary Indian cinema.
Major Awards and Recognitions
The Best Feature Film honor went to 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, which captured the struggles and triumphs of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Debutant director Ashish Avinash Bende bagged the Best Debut Film of a Director for Aatmapamphlet.
Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions’ Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Naal 2 was recognized as the Best Children’s Film.
Sudipto Sen earned the Best Director award for The Kerala Story, while Sam Bahadur was honored as the *Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
The Best Actor Award was shared between two powerful performers – Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji was honored as Best Actress for her impactful role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Supporting roles were celebrated with awards going to Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam), M. S. Bhaskar (Parking), Urvashi (Ullozhukku), and Janki Bodiwala (Vash).
The awards also acknowledged rising young talents, with multiple children including Sukriti Veni Bandreddi (Gandhi Tatha Chettu) and Kabir Khandare (Gypsy) winning the Best Child Artist Award.
In the music category, P V N S Rohit won Best Male Playback Singer for Baby (Premistunna), while Shilpa Rao took home Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya from Jawan.
Technical Excellence Recognized
The technical categories highlighted the craft that often goes unnoticed but is vital to storytelling.
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Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra (The Kerala Story)
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Best Screenplay (Original): Sai Rajesh (Baby), Ramkumar Balakrishnan (Parking)
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Best Dialogues: Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai)
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Best Sound Design: Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan Muralidharan (Animal)
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Best Editing: Midhun Murali (Pookkaalam)
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Best Production Design: Mohandas (2018)
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Best Costume Design: Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir (Sam Bahadur)
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Best Make-up: Shrikant Desai (Sam Bahadur)
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Best Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam (Balagam)
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Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
Documentaries and short films also found recognition, with God Vulture and Human by Rishiraj Agarwal winning Best Documentary, while Giddh (The Scavenger) directed by Manish Saini won Best Short Film.
Veteran film critic Utpal Datta was honored as Best Film Critic.
Vikrant Massey’s Emotional Moment
Actor Vikrant Massey, who shared the Best Actor Award with Shah Rukh Khan, called the recognition the “proudest moment” of his life. Receiving the award from the President, Massey said the honor felt “nothing short of surreal.”
Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“Winning the National Award is a dream that a 20-year-old boy once envisioned, and to see it come true feels surreal. Sharing this moment with my mother and wife makes it even more special.”
He also dedicated the award to marginalized communities across India, saying, “I dedicate this award to all the marginalized people in our society — those often overlooked, yet fighting the socio-economic paradigm every single day.”
Massey’s performance as IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. He further expressed gratitude to audiences for embracing the film and said he was honored to share the award with Shah Rukh Khan.
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Up next, Vikrant Massey will be seen playing spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the upcoming biopic White.
