The 71st National Film Awards: Celebrating Excellence and First-Time Winners in Indian Cinema
The 71st National Film Awards ceremony held on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi was a grand celebration of Indian cinema, marked by historic moments and a star-studded presence. This year's event was particularly special as several iconic film personalities received their first National Awards, shining the spotlight on both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.
A Night of Firsts and Recognitions
Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as the "king of hearts," finally bagged his first National Award for Best Actor for his compelling performance in "Jawan." Sharing this prestigious honor was Vikrant Massey for his role in "12th Fail." The evening also saw Rani Mukerji earn the Best Actress award for her powerful role in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway," marking another first-time win for a Bollywood superstar.
Paying Tribute to Legendary Careers
The ceremony honored Malayalam superstar Mohanlal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest accolade in Indian cinema. This recognition celebrated his nearly five-decade-long career, featuring over 400 films that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Regional Cinema and Technical Brilliance
Reflecting India's cinematic diversity, awards were distributed across languages and genres. The Best Telugu Film award went to "Bhagavanth Kesari," while the Tamil film "Parking" won Best Tamil Film as well as Best Screenplay. Malayalam film "Ullozhukku" was recognized as Best Malayalam Film, and The Kerala Story earned accolades for Best Director and Best Cinematography.
Technical excellence was equally celebrated, with "Animal" receiving Best Sound Design and a special mention in re-recording. "Sam Bahadur" made a significant impact, earning awards for Best Makeup, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Promoting National, Social Values.
A Ceremony to Remember
Hosted amid the grandeur of Vigyan Bhawan and broadcast live on DD News YouTube channel, the event began with a vibrant red carpet segment, followed by the awards presentation by President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony honored films from 2023, delayed by two years due to the pandemic, finally recognizing the outstanding contributions of filmmakers, actors, and technicians.
The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated the artistic and technical achievements of Indian cinema but also symbolized a new era with the recognition of first-time winners and the continued excellence of veteran artists. It was a heartfelt tribute to the passion and creativity that drive the industry forward.
This landmark event underscores the vibrancy and talent within Indian cinema, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike to look forward to more cinematic brilliance in the years to come.