The National Film Awards are among the most esteemed accolades in Indian cinema, celebrating excellence in filmmaking across languages, genres, and formats. Instituted and presented annually by the Government of India, these awards recognize outstanding achievements in films, performances, and technical artistry, setting a benchmark for merit-based recognition in the industry.

Unlike many other film awards, the National Film Awards are celebrated for their unbiased and merit-driven selection process. Eligibility is restricted to films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, ensuring that only officially recognized cinematic works are considered. Winners are chosen by a jury appointed by the Directorate of Film Festivals and are honored personally by the President of India, making it one of the most prestigious recognitions for filmmakers, actors, and technicians alike.

Full List of 71st National Film Awards 2025 Winners

The 71st National Film Awards celebrated films certified in 2023, recognizing excellence across Indian cinema. Here’s the detailed list of winners:

Key Highlights of the 71st National Film Awards

The 71st National Film Awards stood out for honoring a diverse spectrum of talent, from veteran actors to rising stars, as well as a range of commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. The awards highlighted the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of Indian cinema, recognizing achievements across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Punjabi, Odia, Marathi, Gujarati, and Assamese films.

• Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey’s Wins

One of the most talked-about moments was Shah Rukh Khan receiving his first National Award for Jawan, which he shared with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Their performances were lauded for their emotional depth and resonance, marking a high point of the awards ceremony.

• Rani Mukerji’s Triumph

Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her role in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, reinforcing her reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most compelling performers.

• Regional Cinema Recognition

The awards also celebrated regional films, with titles like Parking (Tamil), Bhagavanth Kesari (Telugu), Vash (Gujarati), Ullozhukku (Malayalam), and Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope (Kannada) receiving top honours. This commitment highlights the National Film Awards’ dedication to showcasing the breadth and depth of storytelling across India.

Which Movie Won the Best Feature Film in 2025?

The Best Feature Film award went to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, recognizing its powerful storytelling and emotionally resonant performances. Certified in 2023, the film not only earned the top honour but also helped Vikrant Massey secure a Best Actor trophy (shared with Shah Rukh Khan). 12th Fail stood out during awards season for its ability to connect deeply with both critics and audiences, cementing its place as one of the year’s most celebrated films.

71st National Film Awards 2025 Ceremony

The 71st National Film Awards ceremony was held on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, with the awards presented by President Droupadi Murmu. Winners were officially announced earlier on August 1, 2025, during a press conference at the National Media Centre, New Delhi.

Other Notable Winners

• Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal

• Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

• Best Director: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)

• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

• Best Male Playback Singer: P.V.N.S. Rohit (Baby, Telugu)

• Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao (Jawan, Hindi)

• Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values: Sam Bahadur

• Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)

The awards celebrated a harmonious blend of mainstream appeal and critical excellence, showcasing India’s cinematic richness while emphasizing merit and artistic integrity.

Final Words

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 not only honored individual brilliance but also highlighted the vast spectrum of Indian cinema, from regional storytelling to pan-Indian blockbusters. With stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Mohanlal, and emerging talents such as Vikrant Massey being recognized, the awards reinforced the National Film Awards’ reputation as a true celebration of cinematic excellence.

From regional gems to nationwide blockbusters, the 2025 awards demonstrated that Indian cinema thrives on diversity, talent, and storytelling that resonates across generations.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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