President Murmu Felicitates Winners at the 71st National Film Awards Ceremony

The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu honouring the winners. The evening celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2023, bringing together veteran legends and contemporary performers. The awards marked a special moment as Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while films like 12th Fail, Jawan, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery secured major honours.

Highlights of the Ceremony

Mohanlal – Dadasaheb Phalke Award

• The evening’s emotional highlight was when Mohanlal received a standing ovation as he was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2023), India’s highest honour in cinema, for his unparalleled contributions to Malayalam and Indian cinema.

Best Feature Film – 12th Fail

• Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the inspirational biopic 12th Fail won Best Feature Film. The movie, based on real-life IAS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma’s struggles, resonated with audiences and critics alike for its realism and storytelling.

Best Hindi Film – Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

• The satirical comedy Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery, led by Sanya Malhotra, bagged the award for Best Hindi Film, showcasing the rise of unconventional storytelling in mainstream cinema.

Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey

In a rare tie, the Best Actor award was jointly given to,

• Shah Rukh Khan for his role in Jawan, where he played a dual role in a socially charged action drama.
• Vikrant Massey for his moving portrayal in 12th Fail, cementing his place among India’s finest actors.

Best Actress – Rani Mukerji

• Veteran actress Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a powerful courtroom drama inspired by a true story of a mother battling an unjust child custody case in Norway.

Why This Edition Stands Out

• It honoured legends and new-age talents together, symbolizing continuity in Indian cinema.
• Recognition of socially relevant films (12th Fail, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) highlighted the role of cinema as a medium for change.
• The choice of Kathal as Best Hindi Film showed encouragement for experimental cinema beyond big-budget blockbusters.

Complete Winners List of the 71st National Film Awards (2023)

(Best Actor/Actress) Category Winner List

Regional Film Winner List

Technical Awards Category Winners List

Best Film Category Winners List

Non-Feature Film Awards

• The non-feature film category highlighted social, cultural, and environmental storytelling.
• Best Documentary Film went to God Vulture and Human.
• The Silent Epidemic was honored for Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values.
• Best Short Film went to Giddh The Scavenger.
• The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw was recognized as Best Debut Film in the non-feature section.