71st National Film Awards Winners: SRK, Vikrant Massey Win Best Actor, Check Full List!

The red carpet was rolled out, and cinema lovers across the country tuned in as the 71st National Film Awards were officially announced on August 1, 2025, live from New Delhi’s National Media Centre.

Administered by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), this prestigious event celebrated the top cinematic achievements of 2023 — a year filled with powerful stories, regional gems, and standout performances that left a lasting impression.

With veteran filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker chairing the jury, films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January and December 2023 were evaluated across categories.

And the final list? A delightful blend of blockbuster entertainment and meaningful storytelling.

Discover the full list of 71st National Film Awards winners, honoring the best of Indian cinema across categories like Best Feature Film, Best Actor, Best Director, and more.

71st National Film Awards Winners: 12th Fail Takes the Spotlight

The honor of Best Feature Film went to 12th Fail (Hindi), directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

This underdog drama stood tall among competitors, thanks to its moving narrative of grit, failure, and the power of second chances.

Produced by VC Films LLP, the film’s heartfelt message clearly resonated across audiences and critics alike.

Meanwhile, Ashish Bende’s Marathi film Aatmapamphlet grabbed the Best Debut Film of a Director, appreciated for its fresh voice and unique storytelling style.

A Celebration of Values and VFX

In the socially conscious category, Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur (Hindi) was awarded for promoting national and social values.

Based on the life of India’s legendary military hero, the film stood as a symbol of courage and integrity.

For visual and technical brilliance, the Best AVGC Film (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic) was awarded to Hanu-Man (Telugu), a superhero spectacle that wowed audiences with its top-tier VFX.

Acting Honors: Firsts, Favorites & Fan Moments

This year’s acting categories were filled with emotion, surprises, and historic moments.

• Best Actor (Leading Role) was shared between:

  • Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan – A thrilling moment for fans, as King Khan bagged his first-ever National Award in his three-decade-long career.

  • Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail – His subtle, raw performance earned him well-deserved national recognition.

  • Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway – Her powerful portrayal of a mother’s battle moved both jury and audiences alike.

In the Best Supporting Actor categories:

• Urvashi (Ullozhukku – Malayalam),

• Janki Bodiwala (Vash – Gujarati),

• Vijayaraghavan (Pookalam – Malayalam),

• Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking – Tamil)
  were all honored for delivering deeply compelling performances in emotionally rich narratives.

The Best Child Artist category was heartwarmingly shared by:

• Sukriti Bandireddi (Gandhi Thatha Chettu),

• Kabir Khandare,

• Treesha Toshar,

• Shrinivas Pokale,

• Bhargav (Naal 2),
  all of whom brought innocence and authenticity to their roles.

Regional Cinema: A Rainbow of Stories

The National Awards once again proved that cinema in India is not just Bollywood — it’s a multilingual, multicultural celebration of storytelling.

• Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery – A quirky, satirical gem.

• Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari – A hard-hitting story with a strong message.

• Best Tamil Film: Parking – A tension-filled drama with critical acclaim.

• Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku – A soulful family drama.

• Best Kannada Film: Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope – Emotionally gripping and uplifting.

• Best Punjabi Film: Godday Godday Chaa – A colorful, family-oriented entertainer.

• Best Odia Film: Pushkara – Rich in culture and storytelling.

• Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai – A tribute to Marathi literary legacy.

• Best Gujarati Film: Vash – A thrilling narrative with strong local flavor.

• Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge – Unconventional, yet impactful.

• Best Assamese Film: Rangatapu 1982 – A socially resonant tale.

Music & Technical Brilliance

This year’s technical categories were a celebration of behind-the-scenes magic:

• Best Music (Songs): G.V. Prakash Kumar for Vaathi (Tamil).

• Best Background Score: Harshavardhan Rameshwar for Animal (Hindi).

• Best Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam for Balagam (Telugu).

• Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

• Special Mention: MR Rajakrishnan for exceptional re-recording and sound mixing in Animal.

Why These Awards Matter

Established in 1954, the National Film Awards are considered India’s highest cinematic honor.

Unlike commercial awards, these are purely merit-based, judged by independent panels of directors, critics, and film scholars.

With categories spanning over 30 Indian languages, these awards continue to uplift regional cinema, promote social relevance, and encourage artistic innovation.

This year’s ceremony was particularly significant — a full-fledged return after pandemic-related delays.

The winners will be officially felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Social Media Reactions: Internet Applauds Shah Rukh, Vikrant & Rani

Moments after the announcement, social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were abuzz.

#ShahRukhKhan wins his FIRST-EVER NATIONAL AWARD for BEST ACTOR for the iconic BLOCKBUSTER #Jawan! 💥💥💥

All Hail the King of Indian Cinema 🫡 pic.twitter.com/qSmnJDyDey

— Bollywood Box Office (@Bolly_BoxOffice) August 1, 2025

Fans celebrated Shah Rukh Khan’s long-overdue national recognition, cheered Vikrant Massey’s underdog victory, and praised Rani Mukerji’s emotional powerhouse of a performance.

Regional fans lit up timelines, celebrating the wins of Bhagavanth Kesari, Parking, and Ullozhukku.

Final Take

The 71st National Film Awards reminded us why Indian cinema remains one of the richest in the world — not just in volume, but in soul.

From Bollywood icons to regional wonders, from soulful melodies to visual effects wizardry — 2025’s honorees proved that cinema in India is alive, thriving, and constantly evolving.

Whether you’re team Jawan, rooting for 12th Fail, or in awe of Kathal and Ullozhukku, this year had something for every cinephile.

Which winner was your favorite? Sound off in the comments and keep celebrating Indian cinema! 

Lead Image: RCE, Emmay Entertainment, Bollywood Hungama

Also Read:

War 2 Cast Fees: Jr NTR Bags More Than Hrithik Roshan? Check War 2 Budget Scoop!