President Droupadi Murmu honored the winners of 71st National Film Awards at the Awards ceremony, Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan

President Droupadi Murmu honored the winners of 71st National Film Awards at the ceremony, celebrating the best of Indian cinema in 2023, including Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and award-winning films like 12th Fail and Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery.

Winners of 71st National Film Awards

The 71st National Film Awards were held on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the winners. The event highlighted the best achievements of Indian cinema in 2023, uniting legendary veterans with today’s celebrated performers.

A special highlight of the evening was Malayalam superstar Mohanlal receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Films such as 12th Fail, Jawan, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery also took home top honours.

Key Moments of the Ceremony

Dadasaheb Phalke Award – Mohanlal
The most emotional moment of the evening came when Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received a standing ovation as he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2023). This highest recognition in Indian cinema celebrated his outstanding contributions to Malayalam films and Indian cinema as a whole.

Best Feature Film – 12th Fail
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, an inspiring biopic based on the struggles of IAS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, won the award for Best Feature Film. The movie was praised by both critics and audiences for its powerful storytelling and realistic portrayal of perseverance.

Best Hindi Film – Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
The satirical comedy Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, starring Sanya Malhotra, won the award for Best Hindi Film. The movie was celebrated for its fresh, unconventional storytelling that is gaining prominence in mainstream cinema.

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Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey
In a rare tie, the Best Actor award was shared by:

• Shah Rukh Khan for his dual role in Jawan, a socially charged action drama.
• Vikrant Massey for his heartfelt performance in 12th Fail, earning widespread acclaim and strengthening his reputation as one of India’s finest actors.

Best Actress – Rani Mukerji
Veteran actress Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a gripping courtroom drama based on the true story of a mother fighting an unfair child custody case in Norway.

Why the 71st National Film Awards Were Unique

This edition of the National Film Awards stood out for bringing together legendary artists and new-age talents, reflecting the rich continuity of Indian cinema. By recognizing socially relevant films like 12th Fail and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, the awards highlighted cinema’s power as a medium for social change. Additionally, awarding Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery as Best Hindi Film showed a growing encouragement for experimental storytelling beyond traditional big-budget blockbusters.

Honouring Non Feature Films

The non-feature film category celebrated stories that focused on social, cultural, and environmental themes.

• Best Documentary Film: God Vulture and Human
• Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values: The Silent Epidemic
• Best Short Film: Giddh – The Scavenger
• Best Debut Film (Non-Feature): The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw

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