VALIDATION, PRIDE, GRATITUDE: 12TH Fail, Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, Kathal among winners at the 71st National Film Awards
This year, Hindi cinema seems to be the star at the National Film Awards. Responding to a query on whether Bengali cinema doesn't have that impact anymore, Ashutosh added, 'Every regional cinema has its high time and low time.
You suddenly see a wave of great cinema from Bengal, or from Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam — and then there are other times when you don't. It's constantly in flux. Why this wave happens, nobody can answer. This year, we've seen equally important films from every region.'
A noticeable trend this year was the rise of debut directors. 'There were a large number of debut directors this year, which is a great thing,' Gowariker said, adding, 'There are so many more filmmakers coming in and creating their own voices to tell the stories they want to tell.'
'A happy man today, forever grateful'
Karan Johar's Rocky Aur
Rani
Kii Prem Kahaani has won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment – a moment of pride for the filmmaker and the team. Reacting to the honour, Johar shared, 'It feels surreal, two years on... to receive so much love for a film that we put so much love in. I'm a happy man today, and I will remain forever grateful for this.' Ranveer Singh, who played Rocky Randhawa in the film, said the real success lies in how the film has emotionally connected with audiences, 'The real win for RRKPK is how it has grown to become people's go-to comfort film.
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They rewatch it again and again, as a form of emotional regulation.' The film also won Best Choreography for Dhindhora Baje Re , choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant. Alia Bhatt marked the occasion by sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot.
'A 20-year-old boy's dream has come true'
12th Fail , directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankr, has won the National Award for Best Feature Film.
Vikrant also bagged the Best Actor honour for his powerful performance in the film. He expressed gratitude to the jury and the makers of 12th Fail . 'A 20-year-old boy's dream has come true,' said Vikrant, dedicating the honour to the marginalised. 'This award is for everyone fighting the socio-economic paradigm of our country.
' Director Vidhu, called the recognition 'a moment of immense pride.' He added, 'It's a story that has struck a chord with audiences across boundaries.
My aim was to inspire people to face their hardest battles with honesty, no matter where they are in life. This film has charted a remarkable journey of its own.'
Mrs. Chatterjee V/s Norway Rani Mukerji: Best Actress in a Leading Role
First win for Rani: 'I dedicate it to all the incredible mothers of the world'
Rani Mukerji has won her first-ever National Award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway , a milestone moment in her 30-year career. Overwhelmed by the honour, the actor called the recognition 'a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to the craft, and my spiritual connection with cinema.'
Mukerji credited the team behind the emotional drama, including producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and director Ashima Chibber.
'This film celebrated the resilience of motherhood,' she said, adding, 'There is nothing like a mother's love and her ferocity to protect her own. I dedicate this National Award to all the incredible mothers of the world.' Reflecting on the real-life story of an Indian immigrant mother at the film's heart, Mukerji said it 'shook me deeply.'
Becoming a mother herself made the role even more personal. She also thanked her fans, saying, 'Your love and support is everything I've ever needed to stay motivated. You've embraced every role I've brought to life. Without you, I'd be a nobody today.' Her cousin and actress Kajol also shared her pride, writing, 'Your performance was pure fire and heart. Congratulations on the win.'
'An unforgettable moment for all of us'
Sam Bahadur, Meghna Gulzar's biopic on India's first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, bagged three honours at the 71st National Film Awards –Best Feature Film on National, Social and Environmental Values, Best Make-up, and Best Costume Design.
Director Meghna Gulzar called the film 'a salute to the courage, wit, and unmatched legacy of Sam Manekshaw.' She added, 'It was a story we were privileged to bring to life. Winning a National Film Award is an unforgettable moment for all of us.
' Vicky Kaushal, who played the lead, shared his pride on Instagram, 'So proud!!! Congratulations team.'
Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Best Hindi Film
'This win is for every storyteller'
Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery , a sharp satire rooted in rural India, has bagged the National Award for Best Hindi Feature Film.
Directed by debutant Yashowardhan Mishra, the film stars Sanya Malhotra in a standout role as a small-town cop chasing a curious case of missing jackfruits. Calling the honour 'incredibly reaffirming,' Mishra thanked the jury and collaborators, saying, ' 'I'm thankful to the jury for this great honour.
It is incredibly reaffirming to be recognised for the work we do and the stories we choose to tell. I am grateful to have found collaborators in
Guneet Monga Kapoor
, Achin Jain, Balaji, Ekta Kapoor, and Netflix.
I share this award with my wonderful cast and crew who shaped the film in myriad ways.' Producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain celebrated the win as 'a victory for every voice that deserves to be heard.' Guneet said, 'Every time a story from the heart of India is honoured, it's a win for every voice that deserves to be heard. This win is for every storyteller who dares to look closer and tell stories that matters.
'
Sam Bahadur Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values Best Make-up Best Costume Designer; Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai Best Screenplay
'This is 12 years of hard work'
Deepak Kingrani, who won Best Dialogue for Manoj Bajpayeeled Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, called the honour a reward for over a decade of dedication.
'A lot of good films were in competition, but only one can win. Ye 10-12 saal ki mehnat hai ,' he said. Reflecting on the film's much-discussed climactic monologue, he added, 'It's inspired by a dialogue between Shivji and Parvati… If someone trusts you and you deceive them, that's the worst betrayal.
' Kingrani said the monologue perfectly echoed the film's message.
Kerala Story wins big ...but Kerala CM isn't happy
Sudipto Sen's The Kerala Story took home top honours at the National Film Awards, winning in the Best Director and Best Cinematography categories.
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah welcomed the recognition. 'It's been a very, very tough film to make, and to get this kind of recognition at the national level with two very prestigious awards is supremely exciting and satisfying,' he said. Director Sudipto told ANI , 'The journey of making The Kerala Story was a team effort and it is the team's victory.
It was not made in Mumbai but we went to small villages and cities in Kerala and collected facts for the story.
It is a different kind of feeling.'
However, the decision to recognise the film has drawn criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He expressed his disappointment, stating that the film promotes an ideology that, in his view, distorts facts and spreads communal discord. 'By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the National Film Awards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar,' he wrote on X.
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