Starring Personalities Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerjee Secure Leading Roles at the 71st National Film Awards Event
The 71st National Film Awards, honouring films certified in 2023, were announced in August 2025, marking a significant celebration of Indian cinema. The ceremony, held at the National Media Centre in Delhi, recognised the best in filmmaking across languages and genres.
The Best Feature Film award went to "12th Fail," a poignant film that also earned Vikrant Massey the Best Actor award, shared with Shah Rukh Khan for his performance in "Jawan." Rani Mukerji was honoured with the Best Actress award for her role in "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway."
Malayalam cinema shone brightly, with Ullozhukku winning the Best Malayalam Film award and veteran actress Urvashi receiving the Best Supporting Actress award for the same film. The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, won the Best Director award and received other honours.
Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar were awarded Best Supporting Actor, while Janaki/Janki Bodiwala won Best Supporting Actress for Vash. The Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award was given to Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani.
The ceremony was chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and recognised both popular and socially meaningful cinema. Significant aspects included Shah Rukh Khan receiving his first National Award after a 30-year career, a major milestone in his illustrious career.
Animal won Best Sound Design, and Hanu-Man won Best VFX. Midhun Murali won Best Editing for Pookkaalam. Deepak Kingrani won Best Dialogue for Sirf Ek Ban. The Best Garo Film was awarded to Rimdottianga.
Vaibhavi Merchant won Best Choreography for Dindhora Baje Re in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Shilpa Rao won Best Playback Singer for Chaliya from Jawan, and Rohit won for "Premisthunna" from Baby.
Sukriti Bandireddi, Kabir Khandare, Treesha Toshar, Shrinivas Pokale, and Bhargav won Best Child Artist for their roles in Naal 2. GV Prakash Kumar won Best Music Direction for Vaathi, and Harshav won for an unspecified film.
The Best Telugu Film was awarded to Bhagavanth Kesari. The Best Tamil Film was awarded to Parking. Kasarla Shyam won Best Lyrics for Ooru Palleturu in Balagam.
MR Rajakrishnan received Special Recognition for Re-Recording in Animal. Nandu-Prudhvi received Best Action Direction for HanuMan. Sai Rajesh won Best Screenplay for Baby, and Ramkumar Balakrishnan won for Parking.
Urvas won Best Actor in a Supporting Role, but no specific film is mentioned. The Best Punjabi Film was awarded to Godday Godday Chaa. The Best Tai Phake Film was awarded to Pai Tang...Step of Hope.
The Best Tai Phake Film was awarded to Pai Tang...Step of Hope. The 71st National Film Awards officially released on August 1, 2025, marking a memorable year for Indian cinema.
Celebrities attending the 71st National Film Awards ceremony were honored for their significant contributions to movies-and-tv and pop-culture. The Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award, given to Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, highlights the role entertainment plays in Indian cinema.
