71st National Film Awards 2025 Winners: Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji Shine; Mohanlal Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

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Himanshu
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The 71st National Film Awards 2025 were announced with much fanfare, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema across languages and genres. The awards, presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, India, recognize the best in feature films, non-feature films, acting, direction, and technical excellence. This year, the ceremony witnessed some iconic winners, including Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Mohanlal, highlighting the diversity and talent of Indian cinema.

Major Highlights

The awards honored films and artists from across India, acknowledging contributions to storytelling, performance, and technical brilliance.

Award CategoryWinner(s)Film / Contribution
Best Feature FilmMrs. Chatterjee vs NorwayHindi
Best ActorShah Rukh KhanJawan
Vikrant Massey12th Fail
Best ActressRani MukerjiMrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
Best DirectorSooraj R. BarjatyaUunchai
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (Lifetime Achievement)MohanlalContribution to Malayalam cinema
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome EntertainmentKantaraKannada

Regional Cinema Excellence

The National Film Awards continue to celebrate the richness of regional cinema. Several films from South India and other regional languages received top honors:

LanguageAwardFilm
TeluguBest Feature FilmKarthikeya 2
TamilBest Feature FilmPonniyin Selvan: Part 1
KannadaBest Feature FilmKGF: Chapter 2
MalayalamBest Feature FilmAattam
GujaratiBest Feature FilmKutch Express
HaryanviBest Feature FilmFouja
PunjabiBest Feature FilmBaaghi Di Dhee

This selection reflects the increasing prominence of regional films on the national stage, offering audiences a diverse cinematic experience.

Acting Awards

Best Actor & Best Actress

  • Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan delivered a powerful performance as a patriotic hero, receiving widespread acclaim for his nuanced portrayal.
  • Vikrant Massey impressed critics with his portrayal in 12th Fail, a story based on a student’s journey against systemic challenges.
  • Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, bringing depth and emotion to the character of a mother fighting for her child’s rights.

Supporting Roles & Child Artists

CategoryWinner(s)Film
Best Supporting ActorVijayaraghavanMuthupettai
Somu BhaskarParking
Best Supporting ActressUrvashiUllozhukku
Janaki BodiwalaVash
Best Child ArtistSaanvi SoniChhoti Si Baat
Ravi KumarBachpan Ka Safar

These awards highlight the importance of ensemble performances and emerging talent in the industry.

Technical & Artistic Achievements

Technical excellence was also celebrated, showcasing the critical behind-the-scenes efforts that make films successful:

Technical CategoryFilm
Best CinematographyPonniyin Selvan: Part 1
Best EditingAattam
Best Sound DesignKGF: Chapter 2
Best Art DirectionUunchai
Best Costume DesignKutch Express
Best MakeupAparajito

These awards reflect the growing importance of technical finesse in delivering high-quality cinema.

Writing on Cinema

National Film Awards also recognize contributions to film literature and criticism:

CategoryWinnerWork
Best Book on CinemaAnirudha Bhattacharjee & Parthiv DharKishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography
Best Film CriticDeepak DuaHindi publications

By honoring writers and critics, the awards encourage a deeper understanding of cinema beyond entertainment.

Special Mentions & Non-Feature Films

CategoryFilm
Best Short Fiction FilmGiddh – The Scavenger
Best Non-Feature FilmAyena
Best Animation FilmChhoti Si Baat
Best Documentary FilmThe Last Dance
Best Experimental FilmSilent Echoes

These categories highlight innovation and creativity in non-mainstream cinema.

Conclusion

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 reaffirm India’s rich cinematic diversity. From Bollywood blockbusters to regional gems, the awards celebrate storytelling, performance, and technical mastery. Winners like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Mohanlal demonstrate the enduring impact of iconic performers, while regional films and technical awards spotlight the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

The National Film Awards continue to honor excellence, inspire new talent, and promote the cultural heritage of Indian films.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It reflects the latest National Film Awards winners and does not constitute professional advice. Readers should refer to official announcements for verification.