The 71st National Film Awards 2025 celebrated stellar performances and cinematic brilliance, with Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey leading the winners list. Rani Mukerji impressed with her emotionally charged portrayal in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” while Vikrant Massey earned acclaim for his powerful role in “12th Fail.” Shah Rukh Khan’s contribution to Indian cinema was honoured with a Special Jury Award, marking a rare moment of unanimous praise for Bollywood’s beloved superstar.
Only films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023 were considered. Although last year saw exceptional box office performances, the National Awards, as always, focused on artistic merit—not commercial success.
Feature Film Awards Winners: Diversity & Depth Across Languages
The awards spanned multiple Indian languages, showcasing regional brilliance:
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal
Moreover, MR Rajakrishnan received a Special Mention for Animal (Re-Recording), highlighting technical finesse.
Acting & Performance Highlights
Undoubtedly, performances stood out this year:
- Best Leading Actors Awards:
- Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway)
- Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan)
- Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
- Best Supporting Actors Awards:
- Urvashi (Ullozhukku)
- Janki Bodiwala (Vash)
- Vijayaraghavan (Pookalam)
- Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking)
- Best Child Artists:
Sukriti Bandireddi, Kabir Khandare, Treesha Toshar, Shrinivas Pokale, and Bhargav shone in Naal 2, and Gandhi Thatha Chettu.
Crafting Cinema: Direction, Music & Technical Brilliance
- Best Direction: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
- Best Cinematography: Prasanthanu Mohapatra (The Kerala Story)
- Best Music Direction: GV Prakash Kumar (Vaathi) and Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
- Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (Dindhora Baje Re – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
- Best Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam (Ooru Palleturu – Balagam)
- Best Screenplay: Sai Rajesh (Baby), Ramkumar Balakrishnan (Parking)
- Best Dialogue: Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandha Kaafi Hai)
- Best Playback Singers: Shilpa Rao (Chaliya – Jawan), Rohit (Premisthunna – Baby)
- Best Film: 12th Fail
- Best Debut Feature Film: Aatmapamphlet
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Film Promoting National, Social Values: Sam Bahadur
- Best Children’s Film: Naal 2
- Best Film in AVGC Category: HanuMan
- Best Action Direction: Nandu-Prudhvi (HanuMan)
Additionally, voiceover, editing, and sound design in non-feature films received focused recognition.
An Year Etched in Excellence
The 71st National Film Awards reaffirmed cinema’s power to enlighten, entertain, and evolve. Despite fierce competition, these winners showed that storytelling—when done truthfully and imaginatively—can transcend boundaries. Here’s to a glorious future for Indian cinema.
