The 71st National Film Awards 2025 ceremony, held in New Delhi on August 1st, 2025, was a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema, honoring the best in filmmaking from the year 2023. The prestigious awards, known for their unbiased and merit-based selection, recognized a diverse range of films and brilliant performances that captivated audiences and critics alike. Here are the key highlights and winners from this unforgettable night.

71st National Film Awards 2025 list and other information

Best Actor: Award

Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)

• Theatrical Release: Jawan was released on September 7, 2023, in multiple languages.
• Production Budget: The reported budget for Jawan was approximately ₹300 crore, making it one of the most expensive films in Indian cinema.
• Collection: Worldwide Gross: The film grossed over ₹1,148.32 crore (approximately $140 million) globally.
• Indian Gross: It earned over ₹761.98 crore in India alone.

• Theatrical Release: 12th Fail was released in theaters on October 27, 2023.
• Production Budget: Produced on a modest budget of around ₹20 crore,
• Collection: The film became a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹69 crore worldwide and receiving widespread critical acclaim.

Best Actress: Award

Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)

• Release Date: Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway was released on March 17, 2023.
• Budget: The movie was made on a budget of approximately ₹29 crore (about 290 million Indian Rupees).
• Collection: Worldwide Gross: The film grossed a total of ₹36.53 crore worldwide.
• Indian Gross: The film collected over ₹21.92 crore in India.

Best Director: Award

Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)

• Release Date: The film was released in theaters on May 5, 2023. It later became available for streaming on ZEE5 in February 2024.
• Budget: The film was made on a relatively modest budget, estimated to be between ₹15-20 crore.
• Collection: Worldwide Gross: The film earned an estimated ₹303.97 crore globally, which translates to approximately $36 million.
• Indian Gross: It collected approximately ₹288.04 crore in India.

Best Feature Film: 12th Fail

: Vikrant Massey

Here are the key details about the movie:

• Release Date: The film was released in theaters on October 27, 2023, in Hindi and Kannada. It was later dubbed and released in Tamil and Telugu on November 3, 2023.
• Director, Writer, and Producer: The film was helmed by the veteran filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
• Budget and Box Office: Produced on a modest budget of around ₹20 crore, the film became a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹69 crore worldwide and receiving widespread critical acclaim.
• Cast: The film stars Vikrant Massey as the protagonist Manoj Kumar Sharma, with Medha Shankr playing the role of his wife, Shraddha Joshi.
• Awards: The film has received significant recognition, including a shared Best Actor award for Vikrant Massey at the 71st National Film Awards.

Best Hindi Film:

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery is a Hindi satirical comedy-drama film that has garnered significant attention and critical acclaim, recently winning the Best Hindi Film at the 71st National Film Awards.

• Summary: The film follows Inspector Mahima Basor (played by Sanya Malhotra) in the fictional town of Moba. She is assigned a bizarre case: two prized jackfruits have been stolen from the garden of a local MLA. What begins as a seemingly absurd investigation evolves into a much deeper and more serious story, exposing themes of caste discrimination, systemic negligence, and the misplaced priorities of law enforcement. As Mahima and her team search for the jackfruits, they uncover a parallel and more critical case involving the disappearance of marginalized girls.
• Release: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery was released directly on the streaming platform Netflix on May 19, 2023.
• Cast and Crew:
  • Director: Yashowardhan Mishra
  • Lead Actress: Sanya Malhotra
  • Other prominent cast members: Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Anant Joshi, and Brijendra Kala.
• Critical Reception: The film was praised for its clever blend of satire and humor, using a seemingly ridiculous premise to deliver a sharp social commentary. Sanya Malhotra’s performance was particularly highlighted for her balance of emotional sincerity and comic timing. The movie’s originality and subtle narrative have made it a standout Hindi film.

FAQ About National Awards

What are the National Film Awards?

The National Film Awards are among the most prestigious film awards in India. They were established in 1954 by the Government of India to honor cinematic excellence on a national scale, and to encourage the production of films that are aesthetically and technically excellent, socially relevant, and that contribute to the appreciation of the diverse cultures of the country.

Who organizes and presents the awards?

The awards are administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A national panel of jurors, appointed by the government, selects the winners. The President of India then presents the awards at a ceremony in New Delhi.

What are the main categories of awards?

The awards are divided into three main sections:

• Feature Films: This section includes awards for Best Feature Film, Best Direction, acting categories (Best Actor, Best Actress, etc.), and awards for technical and artistic achievements like Best Cinematography, Best Music Direction, and Best Screenplay. There are also awards for the best films in various regional languages.
• Non-Feature Films: This section recognizes excellence in documentaries, short films, and other non-feature film formats.
• Best Writing on Cinema: This category honors books, articles, and film critics who contribute to the study and appreciation of cinema.

What is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honor in cinema. It is a lifetime achievement award presented at the National Film Awards ceremony to a film personality for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. It is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, who is considered the father of Indian cinema.

What are the eligibility criteria for a film?

To be eligible for a National Film Award, a film must meet specific criteria as outlined in the annual regulations. Key requirements include:

• The film must be produced in India.
• The filmmakers, especially the director, must be Indian nationals.
• The film must have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) within a specified time frame (usually from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year).

What are the different types of awards given?

The awards are primarily categorized into two types:

• Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus): Awarded for major categories like Best Feature Film, Best Direction, and Best Children’s Film.
• Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus): Awarded for a wide range of other categories, including acting, technical, and regional film awards.

Winners receive a medallion (either a Golden or Silver Lotus), a cash prize, and a certificate