Shah Rukh Khan earns his first National Best Actor accolade for the movie "Jawan"
The 71st National Film Awards, held in August 2025, marked a significant milestone in the Indian film industry. The prestigious awards, chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, recognised and celebrated the finest contributions across various categories.
In the major categories, the Best Actor award was shared by Shah Rukh Khan for his performance in Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji clinched the Best Actress award for her performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The Best Feature Film was 12th Fail, while Sudipto Sen was awarded Best Director for The Kerala Story.
The Best Supporting Actress award was shared by Urvashi for Ullozhukku (Malayalam) and Janki Bodiwala for Vash (Gujarati). Vijayaraghavan and M.S. Bhaskar shared the Best Supporting Actor award, with Vijayaraghavan winning for Pookkaalam (Malayalam) and Bhaskar for Parking (Tamil).
The awards also recognised outstanding achievements in other areas. Vaibhavi Merchant received the award for Best Choreography for the song Dhindhora Baje Re in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Cinematographer Prasantanu Mohapatra won the award for Best Cinematography for Kerala Files.
Notable awards included Best Telugu Film for Bhagavanth Kesari, Best Tamil Film for Parking, Best Punjabi Film for Godday Godday Chaa, Best Odia Film for Pushkara, Best Marathi Film for Shyamchi Aai, Best Malayalam Film for Ullozhukku, Best Kannada Film for Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope, Best Hindi Film for Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, Best Gujarati Film for Vash, Best Bengali Film for Deep Fridge, Best Assamese Film for Rangatapu 1982.
Additionally, Sam Bahadur, directed by Meghna Gulzar, was adjudged Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. The film also received awards for Best Costume Design and Best Make-Up. Harshavardhan Rameshwar won Best Background Score for the Hindi film Animal, and G.V. Prakash Kumar won Best Music Director (Songs) for the Tamil film Vaathi.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail was named Best Feature Film overall, and Meghna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur also received the award for Best Actor (Vikrant Massey). Shah Rukh Khan's first-ever National Film Award was for his performance in Jawan. Lyricist Kasarla Shyam received the award for Best Lyrics for the Telugu film Balagam ("Ooru Palleturu").
The jury submitted its final report to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan. Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was named Best Popular Film for Wholesome Entertainment at the awards.
This year's National Film Awards serve as a testament to the rich and diverse talent in the Indian film industry, acknowledging and celebrating the best of Indian cinema.
Movies-and-tv such as "12th Fail" and "Sam Bahadur" were celebrated at the 71st National Film Awards for their significant contributions to the Indian film industry. The entertainment sector was further enriched with awards given for best cinematography, best choreography, and best music direction across various languages.
