The winners of the 71st National Film Awards were officially announced today, celebrating a diverse spectrum of Indian cinema that was certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan, and Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju, after the jury submitted the final list of awardees.
This year’s awards, considered the most prestigious recognition for cinematic excellence in India, honoured a remarkable range of performances, stories, languages, and genres, reflecting the rich and evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
Top Honours: A Mix of Power and Emotion
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
Based on the inspiring journey of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, 12th Fail was hailed for its emotional depth and social impact. - Best Actor (Tie): Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey
The King of Bollywood made a strong comeback, sharing the honor with Massey’s gritty performance in 12th Fail. - Best Actress: Rani Mukerji
Rani was lauded for her powerful role in a film that deeply resonated with both critics and audiences. - Best Direction: The Kerala Story
A bold narrative and gripping storytelling earned it the top directional award.
Feature Film Category: Regional Gems Shine
The jury showcased its commitment to diversity by recognizing regional films that made a strong cultural and cinematic impact:
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Best Tamil Film: Parking
- Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
- Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai
- Best Punjabi Film: Godday Godday Chaa
- Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge
- Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhokku
- Best Kannada Film: Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope
- Best Gujarati Film: Vash
- Best Odia Film: Pushkara
- Best Assamese Film: Rangatapu 1982
Supporting Performances That Stood Tall
- Best Supporting Actress:
- Urvashi for Ullozhokku (Malayalam)
- Janaki for Vash (Gujarati)
- Best Supporting Actor:
- Vijayaraghavan for Pookalam
- Muthupettai for Parking
Technical Brilliance and Music Magic
- Best Sound Design: Animal
- Best Action Direction: Hanu-Man (Telugu)
- Best Choreography: Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani
- Best Music Direction: Vaathi (Tamil – Songs)
- Best Lyrics: Balagam
- Best Cinematography: The Kerala Story
- Best Editing: Pookalam (Malayalam)
- Best Make-Up & Costume Design: Sam Bahadur
- Best Production Design: 2018 – Everyone is a Hero (Malayalam)
- Best Female Playback Singer: Jawan
- Best Male Playback Singer: Baby
- Best Screenplay:
- Baby (Telugu)
- Parking (Tamil)
- Special Mention: Animal (Re-recording mixer M.R. Radhakrishnan)
Non-Feature Film Category: Documentaries and Critics Honoured
- Best Film Critic: Utpal Datta
- Best Non-Feature Films:
- Nekal: Chronicle of the Paddy Man (Malayalam)
- The Sea and Seven Villages (Odia)
- Best Script (Non-Feature): Sun Flowers Were the First Ones to Know (Kannada)
- Best Music Direction: The First Film (Hindi)
- Best Editing (Non-Feature): Moving Focus (English)
A Celebration of Cinematic Unity in Diversity
The 71st National Film Awards reemphasized cinema’s power to unite diverse cultures, languages, and voices. From regional gems like Pushkara and Rangatapu 1982 to grand Bollywood productions like Jawan, Animal, and Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani, this year’s awards celebrated both mainstream excellence and experimental storytelling.
