71st National Film Awards 2025: Full Highlights, Winners, and Key Moments

The 71st National Film Awards, India’s most prestigious recognition for cinema, were announced on 1 August 2025 and formally presented on 23 September 2025 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The awards celebrated films certified in 2023, honoring outstanding performances, technical brilliance, and powerful storytelling across Indian languages. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards, continuing the tradition of acknowledging cinematic excellence that inspires generations.

This year’s ceremony gained extra attention as it marked the first National Award for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside strong recognition for new-age performers like Vikrant Massey. The awards were a mix of star power, socially relevant cinema, and the continued rise of regional industries such as Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal Honored

The highest honor in Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was conferred upon Malayalam legend Mohanlal for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has acted in more than 400 films across genres, known for his effortless naturalism and iconic performances. His recognition was met with thunderous applause, cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest actors.

Best Feature Film: 12th Fail

The award for Best Feature Film went to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, a heartfelt story based on the struggles of UPSC aspirants, inspired by real events. The film resonated deeply with audiences for its raw portrayal of determination and resilience in the face of hardship. Its simple yet powerful narrative, combined with Vikrant Massey’s performance, made it one of the most celebrated films of 2023.

Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey

One of the most talked-about outcomes of the 71st National Film Awards was the joint Best Actor award.

Shah Rukh Khan received his first National Award for his performance in Jawan. The action-drama, directed by Atlee, showcased him in multiple avatars, mixing mass entertainment with a strong political message. Khan’s win was historic, finally crowning decades of his dominance in Indian cinema with the country’s highest film honor.

Vikrant Massey, on the other hand, was recognized for 12th Fail. His portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a struggling student determined to clear India’s toughest exam, earned both critical acclaim and audience love. His subtle, grounded performance represented a new wave of acting in Bollywood—natural, authentic, and deeply moving.

Together, Khan and Massey’s joint win reflected the balance between star power and realism in contemporary Indian cinema.

Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway

Veteran actress Rani Mukerji bagged the Best Actress award for her searing performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The film, based on real events, depicted a mother’s relentless fight against a foreign government to regain custody of her children. Rani’s performance was praised for its emotional intensity, capturing the anguish, resilience, and strength of a mother wronged by the system.

Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story

The Best Director award was given to Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story, a controversial yet commercially successful film. The movie, which tackled themes of radicalization and women’s exploitation, sparked heated debates across the country. While critics questioned its politics, the National Award committee recognized Sen’s direction for creating a hard-hitting narrative that evoked strong social responses.

Regional Cinema Shines Bright

• Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery – a satirical comedy starring Sanya Malhotra.
• Best Tamil Film: Parking – a gripping urban drama about class conflicts and survival.
• Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku – a moving family story praised for its sensitive direction and performances.
• Best Telugu Film: Baby – a coming-of-age drama that resonated with youth audiences.

Technical and Creative Brilliance

• Best Sound Design: Animal, for its intense, high-impact soundscape.
• Best Music Director (Songs): G.V. Prakash Kumar for Vaathi.
• Best Screenplay: Shared by Baby (Telugu) and Parking (Tamil).
• Special Mention: Animal for re-recording mix, highlighting its contribution to sound innovation in Indian cinema.

Cultural and Industry Impact

The 71st National Film Awards symbolized the changing face of Indian cinema. On one side stood commercial blockbusters like Jawan and Animal, with larger-than-life appeal; on the other were realistic, issue-based films like 12th Fail and Ullozhukku. The awards balanced mainstream entertainment with meaningful narratives, proving that both can co-exist and flourish.

For Shah Rukh Khan, the award was a long-awaited recognition that added a new feather to his legendary career. For Vikrant Massey, it marked the arrival of a new generation of talent ready to take Bollywood forward. Regional cinema, as always, stood tall, showing how India’s cultural richness translates into diverse cinematic languages.

Conclusion

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 will be remembered as a historic edition—where a superstar, a rising actor, and a veteran actress shared the spotlight alongside regional filmmakers and technicians. By honoring both popular and socially relevant films, the awards once again reinforced the power of cinema as not just entertainment, but also a reflection of society and its struggles.

From Mohanlal’s lifetime achievement honor to Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Award, the ceremony celebrated both legends and newcomers, ensuring that Indian cinema’s past, present, and future were all represented on one stage.