On September 23, 2025, New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan transformed into a hub of cinematic glory as President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious 71st National Film Awards. Honoring films certified between January 1 and December 31, 2023, the ceremony spotlighted groundbreaking storytelling and stellar performances, drawing cheers for icons like Shah Rukh Khan and veterans like Mohanlal. This edition, announced in August 2025, celebrated a diverse slate of 332 feature films, blending commercial hits with indie gems to underscore India’s vibrant film landscape.
Key Points:
- Jury chaired by Ashutosh Gowariker (feature films), with inputs from experts across non-feature, books, and critics’ categories.
- First-time National Awards for Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji in acting categories, marking career milestones.
- Over 100 winners across categories, emphasizing social relevance, innovation, and wholesome entertainment.
Best Actor Glory: Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey Share the Honor
In a historic tie, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey clinched the Best Actor in a Leading Role award, captivating audiences with their nuanced portrayals. SRK’s intense, action-packed turn in Jawan—a box-office behemoth grossing over ₹1,000 crore—earned him his first National Award after 30 years in the industry. Massey, meanwhile, embodied resilience in 12th Fail, a biographical drama on IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma’s UPSC journey, propelling him to stardom.
Key Points:
- SRK attended in a sleek black bandhgala, blowing kisses to the crowd while receiving the award from President Murmu.
- Massey, in a white bandhgala, called it a “humbling recognition” for real-life inspirations behind the film.
- Jawan (directed by Atlee) highlighted social justice themes, while 12th Fail (Vidhu Vinod Chopra) swept with Best Feature Film too.
Rani Mukerji’s Emotional Triumph: Best Actress for a Mother’s Unyielding Spirit
Rani Mukerji claimed the Best Actress award for her raw, heartfelt performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a poignant tale of an Indian immigrant mother’s custody battle against Norwegian authorities. Her portrayal of Debika Tripathi symbolized maternal strength and cultural resilience, earning widespread acclaim and marking her first National Award in this category.
Key Points:
- Mukerji, seated beside SRK at the event, shared an emotional moment, dedicating the win to “every mother fighting for her child.”
- Directed by Ashima Chibber, the film drew from real events, blending drama with advocacy for immigrant rights.
- Her victory underscores the awards’ focus on women-centric narratives, with 70% of jury members praising its emotional depth.
Beyond the Stars: Other Major Wins and Highlights
The 71st Awards went beyond acting accolades, recognizing direction, films, and lifetime contributions. Malayalam legend Mohanlal received a standing ovation for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, honoring his 50-year career spanning 360+ films. 12th Fail dominated with Best Feature Film, while Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won for Wholesome Entertainment.
Key Points:
- Best Direction: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story (controversial yet praised for bold storytelling).
- Best Popular Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Karan Johar), blending romance and family values.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal, celebrated for bridging commercial and artistic cinema.
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit of Mystery (satirical take on politics); Sam Bahadur for National/Social Values.
Quick Winners Snapshot
| Category | Winner(s) | Film(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Vidhu Vinod Chopra | 12th Fail |
| Best Actor (Leading) | Shah Rukh Khan / Vikrant Massey | Jawan / 12th Fail |
| Best Actress (Leading) | Rani Mukerji | Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway |
| Best Direction | Sudipto Sen | The Kerala Story |
| Best Wholesome Entertainment | Karan Johar | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Mohanlal | Lifetime Achievement |
Reactions and Impact: A Milestone for Bollywood and Beyond
The ceremony buzzed with emotion—SRK’s bow and fan cheers evoked Swades nostalgia (ironically juried by director Ashutosh Gowariker), while Massey’s win inspired UPSC aspirants. Mukerji’s speech highlighted immigrant struggles, and Mohanlal’s ovation reflected South cinema’s rising influence. Ekta Kapoor was also honored for TV-film contributions, with Karan Johar and Vaibhavi Merchant among attendees.
Key Points:
- Social media exploded with #SRKNationalAward trending, celebrating his “King of Bollywood” legacy.
- Massey: “This is for every student who dares to dream against odds.”
- Awards align with NEP 2020’s cultural emphasis, boosting regional films like Ullozhukku (Best Malayalam) and Parking (Best Tamil).
The Legacy of National Film Awards: Celebrating India’s Diverse Voices
The 71st edition reaffirms the National Film Awards’ role in spotlighting unsung heroes and mainstream magic, fostering unity through cinema. As President Murmu noted, “Films mirror society’s soul, inspiring progress and empathy.” With winners like SRK bridging commercial and critical acclaim, this ceremony paves the way for more inclusive storytelling in Viksit Bharat’s cinematic journey.
Key Points:
- Total entries: 332 features, 115 non-features—highest in years, reflecting India’s booming industry.
- Post-ceremony dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan attended by SRK, Johar, and honorees.
- Watch highlights on Doordarshan or stream winners’ films on Netflix/Zee5 for the full experience!
Published on September 24, 2025, at 4:15 PM IST.
