Career milestone achieved for the first time: Rani Mukerji discusses her National Film Award victory in 30 years of work
Rani Mukerji Wins First National Film Award for "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway"
Rani Mukerji, a beloved actress with a 30-year career in Indian cinema, has made history by winning her first National Film Award. The actress took home the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in the film "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway".
The 71st National Film Awards, held in August 2025, honoured the best films of the year 2023. Rani Mukerji's win was a dream-come-true moment for her, considering it as a validation of her 30-year body of work.
In "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway", Rani Mukerji plays Debika Chatterjee, an Indian woman who fights for custody of her children in Norway. The film showcases the power of a mother's love and the unconditional nature of that bond. Rani Mukherji shared the award with the entire team of the film, expressing her gratitude to them for their support.
The actress considers her win deeply emotional and personal. She stated that the story of the film deeply moved her and made her realize the importance of a mother's love. Rani Mukherji dedicated her National Award to all mothers worldwide.
Other notable winners at the 71st National Film Awards include Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey, who shared the Best Actor award, Vidhu Vinod Chopra for Best Feature Film, and Sudipto Sen for Best Director. The full list of winners can be found below.
List of Key Winners at the 71st National Film Awards:
- Best Actor (shared): Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail
- Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail produced/directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku by Christo Tomy
- Best Supporting Actress (shared): Urvashi for Ullozhukku and Janki Bodiwala for Vash (Gujarati film)
- Best Supporting Actor (shared): Vijayaraghavan for Pookkaalam and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar for Parking (Tamil film)
- Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story
- Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra for The Kerala Story
- Best Hindi Feature Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
- Best Tamil Film: Parking
- Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku (This fact was not repeated from earlier bullet points)
- Other language winners include Godday Godday Chaa (Punjabi), Pushkara (Odia), Shyamchi Aai (Marathi), Kandeelu: The ray of hope (Kannada), Deep Fridge (Bengali), and Rangatapu 1982 (Assamese)
Additional notable awards include Best Choreography for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Best Music Direction for Vaathi (Tamil), Best Editing for Pookalam (Malayalam), and Best Sound Design for Animal.
"Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway" was directed by Ashima Chibber and released in March 2023. The film also features Jim Sarbh. Rani Mukherji feels a deeply spiritual connection to her craft and passion for cinema, and her win at the National Film Awards is a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Rani Mukerji's award-winning performance in "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway" can undoubtedly be considered as a significant addition to the realm of cinema, offering emotion-filled entertainment to the audience. In the 71st National Film Awards, "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway" was recognized not only for its impactful story but also for providing wholesome entertainment, having been honored with the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment accolade.
