Ace filmmaker Priyadarshan has offered fans a warm glimpse into a special moment from the sets of his upcoming film Haiwaan, featuring two celebrated actors—Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal.
In a heartfelt note, Priyadarshan shared his delight at directing the duo, calling it “a rare joy”. He expressed that working with Saif Ali Khan brought back memories of his cricket-loving days, as Saif is the son of one of his early sporting heroes. He paired this sentiment with admiration for Mohanlal, whom he described as his favourite film icon and a long-standing collaborator.
The picture from the set showcases warmth, camaraderie, and the creative energy that has always defined Priyadarshan’s filmmaking spaces. The director’s emotional reflection also highlights the unique generational connection—linking his admiration for Saif’s legendary father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi with his own cinematic journey alongside Mohanlal.
As Haiwaan continues its production, this behind-the-scenes glimpse has already generated excitement among fans of all three industry stalwarts. The film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic releases, blending powerhouse talent from across Indian cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates on Haiwaan exclusively on allycaral.com.
The 71st National Film Awards transformed Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, into a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence as President Droupadi Murmu honoured the finest in Indian cinema. From revered legends to emerging stars, the awards reflected the breadth and brilliance of storytelling that continues to define India’s cultural landscape.
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of film history, President Murmu conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on veteran actor Mohanlal. She praised his journey from theatre to screen, his embodiment of India’s cultural heritage, and his deep impact on audiences across generations. From the classical Karnabharam to his poignant role in Vanaprastham, Mohanlal’s contribution has been both prolific and profound. With humility and gratitude, the actor dedicated the award to the stalwarts of Malayalam cinema and reaffirmed his commitment to the art form, calling cinema the “heartbeat of his soul.”
The President emphasized the unique role cinema plays in reflecting India’s democratic spirit and cultural diversity. She noted the growing representation of women in the industry and underscored the importance of equal opportunities, both on and off screen. The spotlight on young talent, children’s creativity, and environmental storytelling highlighted the evolving nature of cinema as a force for awareness and innovation.
Among the standout winners of the evening was Shah Rukh Khan, who won Best Actor for Jawan, a role that demanded both scale and nuance. Sharing the honour, Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail was recognised for its quiet resilience and authenticity. Rani Mukerji, awarded Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway, delivered a performance that blurred lines between reel and real, embodying a mother’s anguish with raw emotion.
The awards also recognised the unsung heroes—supporting actors who breathe life into narratives. Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar won Best Supporting Actor, while Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala were honoured as Best Supporting Actress, showcasing performances that left a lasting impact.
12th Fail was named Best Feature Film, a testament to the power of hope and determination. Non-feature categories also shone brightly, with Flowering Man and God Vulture and Human being recognised for their compelling storytelling and documentary excellence. India’s growing strength in the AVGC space was acknowledged with Hanu-Man taking home the award in that category, and Giddh: The Scavenger earning the Best Short Film honour.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded Mohanlal and reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning India as a global content powerhouse. He highlighted the success of initiatives like Waves 2025 and the International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT), launched in partnership with tech giants like Meta, Google, Microsoft and NVIDIA. The focus on indigenous film equipment production, live concert economy, and regulatory reforms reflects the roadmap towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Secretary Sanjay Jaju encapsulated the spirit of the event, calling cinema a celebration of stories, dreams, and shared experiences. This year, marked by legends and landmark moments, echoed the motto “Ek Desh, Hazaron Kahaniyan, Ek Junoon”—a tribute to India’s enduring cinematic passion.
As the hall stood in ovation and hearts brimmed with pride, the 71st National Film Awards reminded the nation that cinema is not just entertainment—it is emotion, legacy, and the ever-beating pulse of a country telling its story to the world.
