The much-anticipated results of the 71st National Film Awards were officially declared in New Delhi on August 1, 2025, marking a major milestone in Indian cinema. This year’s ceremony honored films released in 2023, delayed due to pandemic-induced scheduling shifts.
🌟 Spotlight on the Winners
Best Actor (Male) — Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey (tie)
- Shah Rukh Khan earned his first-ever National Film Award for his performance in Jawan, capping off more than three decades in the industry.
- He shared the honour with Vikrant Massey, whose role in 12th Fail has been met with wide critical praise and was long considered a sure-win in pre-announcement buzz.
Best Actress (Female) — Rani Mukerji
- Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress Award for her emotionally powerful portrayal in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. After a decorated film career, this National Award marks a defining moment in her legacy.
Best Feature Film — 12th Fail
- Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail also secured the Best Feature Film Award—recognition of its impactful storytelling and social relevance.
Best Hindi Film — Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Kathal was recognised as the Best Hindi Film, reinforcing the award’s appreciation for regional cinematic excellence alongside mainstream fare.
🏆 Highlights from Other Categories
- Best Popular Film for Wholesome Entertainment went to Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, a crowd favourite helmed by Karan Johar.
- Sam Bahadur, the war biopic based on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, earned awards for Best National Values Film and Best Costume Design, among others.
- Films like Animal, Pookalam, Vaathi, and The Kerala Story featured in technical and artistic wins, underscoring the diversity and depth recognized this year.
🎭 What These Wins Mean
- Shah Rukh Khan’s award for Jawan is especially poignant: his first National Award after 33 years of cinematic excellence, sparking emotional reactions from fans across generations.
- Vikrant Massey’s portrayal in 12th Fail resonated deeply, making him a standout performer and earning industry respect through this high honour.
- Rani Mukerji’s win validates her enduring contributions to Indian cinema. Critics had long considered her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway as award-worthy.
🧭 Ceremony & Context
Held at the National Media Centre in Delhi, the announcement followed the submission of the jury’s final report to Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan. The awards were telecast live in the evening.
These awards honour films released in 2023, continuing the pattern of delay from recent cycles, but ultimately celebrating excellence across language, region, and form.
🔍 Shared Glimpse: Winners Summary
| Category | Winner(s) |
| Best Actor (Male) | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) |
| Best Actress (Female) | Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway) |
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail |
| Best Hindi Film | Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery |
| Best Popular Film | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Social & National Values Film | Sam Bahadur |
🧠 Why These Awards Matter
This edition of the National Film Awards underscores the continuing evolution of Indian cinema—where veteran stars, socially impactful stories, and new talent converge in national appreciation. From cinematic depth in 12th Fail to mass appeal of Jawan and Rocky Aur Rani…, the winners reflect both art and entertainment in harmony.
Moreover, the emotional resonance of Shah Rukh Khan finally earning a National Award, Rani Mukerji’s recognition after years of contribution, and Vikrant Massey’s rise to mainstream acclaim symbolize a year where public, critical, and jury consensus aligned.
Congratulations to the winners and to an awards season that truly celebrated storytelling in every shade.
