The prestigious 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, 2025, at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, recognizing the finest talents and achievements in Indian cinema for films certified in 2023 by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
For the first time in 33 years, superstar Shah Rukh Khan clinched a National Film Award, winning Best Actor for his high-octane performance in Jawan. Interestingly, the award was jointly shared with Vikrant Massey for his stellar portrayal in 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, which also bagged the Best Feature Film award.
Rani Mukerji, Sudipto Sen and Guneet Monga Also Honored
Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her powerful role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, while Guneet Monga’s film Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery took home the Best Hindi Film award.
Sudipto Sen won Best Director for The Kerala Story, underlining the diversity in storytelling that Indian cinema embraced in 2023.
Key Winners of the 71st National Film Awards:
- Best Actor (Joint) – Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
- Best Actress – Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)
- Best Director – Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
- Best Feature Film – 12th Fail
- Best Hindi Film – Kathal
- Best Popular Film for Entertainment – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani
- Best Malayalam Film – Ullozhukku
- Best Tamil Film – Parking
- Best Telugu Film – Bhagavanth Kesari
- Best Supporting Actor – Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar
- Best Supporting Actress – Janaki Bodiwala and Urvashi
2023: A Golden Year for Indian Cinema
The year 2023 was monumental for Indian films. Hindi blockbusters like Pathaan, Animal, 12th Fail, OMG 2, and Adipurush made waves at the box office. Telugu cinema offered gems like Sita Ramam, Dasara, and Balagam. Tamil hits Jailer and Leo shattered records, while Malayalam cinema earned global acclaim with films like 2018: Everyone is a Hero, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, and Kaathal – The Core.
This year’s National Awards truly reflected the creative renaissance and cultural richness of the Indian film industry.
