
The National Film Awards are considered one of the highest honours in Indian cinema. This year, the 71st edition of the awards was announced on 1 August by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Following two months of anticipation, a grand ceremony was held on Tuesday, 23 September, at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu honoured the winners for their outstanding work in films released in 2023.
Mohanlal Receives the Prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest honour, to South Indian superstar Mohanlal.
His achievement is a source of immense pride not only for Malayalam cinema but for the entire Indian film industry.
Mohanlal, who has previously received five National Film Awards, nine State Awards, and prestigious civilian honours including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada films.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This honour belongs not just to me but to the entire Malayalam film industry.” He thanked all the directors and writers who had faith in his talent.
Legendary actor, director, and producer @Mohanlal has been conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023 during 71st National Film Awards, for his iconic contribution to #IndianCinema.#NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @PIB_India… pic.twitter.com/rhB2AjMryR
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji Win National Awards
After a long wait, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan finally earned his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his powerful performance in Jawan. This recognition marks a significant milestone in his 33-year career, delighting both him and his millions of fans.
Actress Rani Mukerji was also honoured with a National Award for her outstanding acting, further cementing her place among the industry’s elite performers.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ is conferred to Shah Rukh Khan for ‘Jawan’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @iamsrk @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts… pic.twitter.com/TOANLI5tdK
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ is conferred to Rani Mukerji for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive… pic.twitter.com/72bO1sOZ3Y
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Other Notable Winners
Actor Vikrant Massey received the Best Actor award for his role in 12th Fail.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ is conferred to Vikrant Massey for ‘12th Fail’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @VikrantMassey @PIB_India @DDNewslive… pic.twitter.com/hrXH9W6pp4
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
In supporting roles, MS Bhaskar was honoured for Best Supporting Actor for the Tamil film Parking.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ is conferred to Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar for ‘Parking’ (Tamil).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive… pic.twitter.com/tzM9x52sol
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Ranbir Kapoor’s acclaimed film Animal won the Best Music award, while Sam Bahadur received accolades for Best Makeup and Best Costume Design.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Sound Design’ is conferred to Sachin Sudhakaran & Hariharan Muralidharan for ‘Animal’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive… pic.twitter.com/O5IU1BTKBU
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Costume Designer’ is conferred to Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambhir, and Nidhhi Gambhir for ‘Sam Bahadur’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia… pic.twitter.com/e7P4r568uG
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Choreography and Cinematography Shine
Vaibhavi Merchant won Best Choreography for her work on popular songs in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Choreography’ is conferred to Vaibhavi Merchant for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Dhindhora Baje Re)’.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India… pic.twitter.com/GZwXhk4RlD
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Cinematographer Sudipto Sen was awarded Best Cinematography for The Kerala Story.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Direction’ is conferred to Sudipto Sen for ‘The Kerala Story’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023… pic.twitter.com/oTv3McBqUR
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
The Telugu film Hanu Man took home the Best Action Direction award.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Film in AVGC’ is conferred to ‘Hanu-Man’ (Telugu).
@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/vacfXT4i7c— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Regional Cinema and Special Mentions
The Bengali film Deep Freeze was declared Best Bengali Film. The Gujarati film Vash earned the Silver Lotus Award for its director, and the Best Kannada Film award went to The Ray of Hope.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Bengali Film’ is conferred to ‘Deep Fridge’.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/3JpWd6SqEj
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Gujarati Film’ is conferred to ‘Vash’.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/XmY2ZQqVvk
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Ekta Kapoor’s Kathal, starring Sanya Malhotra, was honoured as the Best Hindi Film.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Hindi Film’ is conferred to ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery’.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023… pic.twitter.com/NvvwCOwiRV
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Noted film critic Utpal Datta was recognised with the Best Film Critic award, acknowledging his valuable contribution to cinema.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
🏆Award for the ‘Best Film Critic’ is conferred to Utpal Datta.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @utpal91 @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/tl70z8fWu4
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
Conclusion
The 71st National Film Awards ceremony celebrated the diversity, creativity, and excellence of Indian cinema.
From lifetime achievements to emerging talents, the awards underscored the industry’s vibrant future and its significant cultural impact.
Moreover, the event, graced by President Droupadi Murmu, remains a prestigious platform recognising cinematic brilliance across the nation.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Wins First National Award For Best Actor At 71st National Film Awards
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