Films

Indian Cinema’s Finest Honoured at 71st National Film Awards – Complete Winners List Inside


New Delhi | August 1, 2025 — The 71st National Film Awards honoured the best of Indian cinema from 2023, with a diverse range of films and talent recognized across feature and non-feature categories. The awards were announced by a jury headed by acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.

🎬 Major Feature Film Awards:

  • Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
  • Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
  • Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway)
  • Best Director: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
  • Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Ullozhukku) & Janki Bodiwala (Vash)
  • Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam), M.S. Bhaskar (Parking)
  • Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani

Best Film Promoting National/Social Values: Sam Bahadur

🎶 Music & Technical Excellence:

  • Best Music Direction (Songs): Vaathi (Tamil)
  • Best Background Score: Animal – Harshavardhan Rameshwar
  • Best Lyrics: Balagam (The Group)
  • Best Choreography: Dhindhora Baje Re – Vaibhavi Merchant
  • Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra (The Kerala Story)
  • Best Dialogue Writer: Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai)

Best Screenplay: Baby (Sai Rajesh Neelam), Parking (Ramkumar Balakrishna)

🌍 Regional Film Winners:

  • Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
  • Best Tamil Film: Parking
  • Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
  • Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku
  • Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge
  • Best Assamese Film: Rongatapu 1982
  • Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai
  • Best Punjabi Film: Godday Godday Chaa

Best Odia Film: Pushkara

📽️ Top Non-Feature Film Winners:

  • Best Non-Fiction Film: Flowering Man
  • Best Debut Film of a Director: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw
  • Best Documentary Film: God, Vulture and Human
  • Best Art/Culture Film: Timeless Tamil Nadu
  • Best Short Film: Giddh: The Scavenger
  • Best Script: Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know
  • Best Direction (Non-Feature): Piyush Thakur (The First Film)

🎖️ Special Mentions & Legacy

Special mentions were given to Nekal – Chronicle of the Paddy Man and The Sea and the Seven Villages. The Best Film Critic honour went to Utpal Datta. The legacy of the awards continues from 1954 when Shyamchi Aai (Marathi) won the first Best Feature Film.

Ironically, the most awarded film in the history of the awards remains Lagaan, helmed by this year’s jury chief Ashutosh Gowariker.

From newcomers to legends, this year’s winners represent the rich diversity, courage, and innovation of Indian storytelling. 🎉

Entertainment

Shah Rukh Khan Wins First National Film Award for Best Actor in ‘Jawan’


After over three decades of cinematic excellence, Shah Rukh Khan has received his first National Film Award—an honour that marks a significant milestone in a legendary career.

At the 71st National Film Awards, SRK was named Best Actor for his performance in Atlee’s action-packed blockbuster, Jawan. He shares the prestigious award with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail.

“A Moment I Will Cherish for a Lifetime”

In a heartfelt video message shared on Instagram, the 59-year-old actor expressed deep gratitude:

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility. To be honored with the National Award is a moment that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Despite having his arm in a sling due to an injury sustained during his upcoming film King, SRK appeared composed and reflective. He described the award as more than an accolade—it’s a message:

“It’s a reminder that what I do matters… to keep working, keep creating, and keep serving cinema.”

A Tribute to Teamwork and Vision

Shah Rukh thanked the jury, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and acknowledged the pivotal roles played by directors Rajkumar Hirani, Siddharth Anand, and especially Atlee—who helmed Jawan.

“Atlee sir, this is like you say, ‘mass’,” he said with a smile.

He extended warm thanks to his management and creative team:

“They bear with me, my eccentricities and impatience… This award, without their perseverance and love, would not be possible.”

About Jawan

Jawan was one of 2023’s biggest cinematic spectacles, grossing over ₹1,100 crore globally. In the film, SRK took on dual roles—Vikram Rathore, a fierce Army officer, and Azad, his idealistic jailor son—mesmerizing audiences with both mass appeal and emotional depth.

A Legacy Reinforced

Known as the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography spans romance, drama, action, and social commentary. This National Award not only cements his legacy but marks a powerful reminder of the endurance and evolution of his craft.

With this recognition, SRK has turned another page in a story that continues to inspire generations of fans and filmmakers alike.