At the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday honoured artistes from the Indian film industry, including powerhouses such as Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rani Mukerji for their contribution to cinema for the year 2023.
The ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The winners were announced on August 1, 2025.
Malayalam star Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in the field of Indian cinema, bestowed by the Government of India and presented annually at the National Film Awards.
In perhaps what was the most Bollywood-dominated National Film Awards, superstars Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway) received honours in the best actor and best actress categories respectively. This is the first National Film Award in the categories for both the actors. For his work in the film 12th Fail, Actor Vikrant Massey shared the best actor award with Shah Rukh Khan.
The National Film Awards for the year 2023 were given this year after the schedule was disrupted and delayed by two years due to the pandemic.
Here are the highlights:
National Film Awards Ceremony Concludes
The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, which honoured Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey for the year 2023, has concluded.
President Droupadi Murmu Congratulates National Film Award Winners
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday congratulated the winners at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held at the Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi.
The President felicitated Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Mohanlal and other National Film Award winners.
Mohanlal On Dadasaheb Phalke Recognition: "Deeply Humbled To Be The Youngest Recipient"
Mohanlal addressed everyone after receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He said, "It is with profound pride and gratitude that I stand before you today, having received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an honour instituted by the Government of India in the name of the Father of Indian Cinema. As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from the state to be bestowed with this national recognition. This moment is not mine alone, it belongs to the entire Malayalam film fraternity."
He further added, "I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry, its legacy, creativity, and resilience. When I first received the news from the Centre, I was overwhelmed, not merely by the honour, but by the privilege of carrying forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny’s hand allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who have shaped Malayalam cinema."
"To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dreams. And so this is not a dream come true, this is something far greater, it's magical, it's sacred," Mohanlal concluded.
Jury Honours Mohanlal With A Special Short Film
To honour Mohanlal, the jury presented a special short film highlighting his illustrious career and unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. This tribute celebrated his remarkable journey and legacy.
Mohanlal Honoured With Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Superstar Mohanlal is honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest recognition in cinema, for his contribution to Indian cinema. He received a standing ovation from committee members, celebrities, and all guests present at the event.
His wife, Suchitra, accompanied him at the ceremony, where they twinned in white attire. (Photo: DD National)
Karan Johar On His 4th National Film Award: "I Have Done Something Right"
"Whenever we get a national award, I feel like I have done something right to win over hearts, the audience, the jury and to reach this stage. A lot of respect and gratitude to the jury.
"I am excited, there are three words in our category, 'wholesome', 'popular' and 'entertainment' so what else does a director want? This is even more special because my first national award was in this category for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. So after 27 years to come to the same category is an emotional moment for me," Karan Johar told Doordarshan on the National Film Awards red carpet. The filmmaker received the award for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment category.
This is Johar's third National Film Award in a row and his fourth one overall. The moment marks a full circle for Karan Johar who won his first National Film Award in the same category for his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
Sudipto Sen Wins Best Director Award For The Kerala Story
Sudipto Sen won the best director award in the feature film category for his film The Kerala Story, which sparked national discussions on sensitive social issues.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆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
Shah Rukh Khan Receives Best Actor Award
Shah Rukh Khan receives the Best Actor National Award for his work in the film Jawan. This is the actor's first-ever award in a career spanning 33 years.
"Shri Shah Rukh Khan ji. The man whose smile has crossed borders, whose dialogues have become our collective vocabulary. His journey from Delhi theatre to global stardom is a story in itself. SRK is not just a National Award winner, but forever the king of hearts," reads the National Film Award citation for Shah Rukh Khan.
Shah Rukh Khan's wife and producer Gauri Khan shared an X post to congratulate her husband.
What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!!
— Gauri Khan (@gaurikhan) September 23, 2025
So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hardwork and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award. pic.twitter.com/KW3Z53ULF5
Vikrant Massey Receives Best Actor Award
Vikrant Massey receives the best actor National Award for his work in the film 12th Fail. This is the actor's first-ever award.
Rani Mukerji Awarded Best Actress National Award
Rani Mukerji receives her first ever National Award from President Droupadi Murmu. The honour for Mukerji is for her work in the film Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Shilpa Rao Honoured With Best Female Playback Singer Award
Shilpa Rao won the best female playback singer award at the 71st National Film Awards for her soulful rendition of the song Chaleya from the film Jawan.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆Award for the ‘Best Female Playback Singer’ is conferred to Shilpa Rao for ‘Chaleya’ in ‘Jawan’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts… pic.twitter.com/FRF67ABqwU
The Kerala Story Bags Best Cinematography Award
The best cinematography award was conferred to Prasantanu Mohapatra for his work in the Hindi film The Kerala Story, praised for visually capturing the film's intense narrative.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆Award for the ‘Best Cinematography’ is conferred to Prasantanu Mohapatra for ‘The Kerala Story’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts… pic.twitter.com/Y7La6GDIXH
"Will Make India A Live Concert Economy": Information & Broadcasting Minister
In his National Film Awards 2025 address, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke about making India a "live concert economy".
The I&B minister said, "There will be proper policies and programmes to develop a live concert economy. There will also be easy permissions and that will create another wave in the ocean of creator's economy".
2018: Everyone Is A Hero Wins National Film Award
The best production design award at the 71st National Film Awards was conferred to Mohandas for the Malayalam film 2018: Everyone Is A Hero.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆Award for the ‘Best Production Design’ is conferred to Mohandas for ‘2018-Everyone Is A Hero’ (Malayalam).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive… pic.twitter.com/BZpNPRFnDB
Sam Bahadur Wins Multiple Awards
Shrikant Desai won the best makeup award at the 71st National Film Awards for his work on the film Sam Bahadur. The best costume designer award was conferred to Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambhir, and Nidhhi Gambhir for their costume design work in the Hindi movie.
Sam Bahadur is a biographical war drama depicting the life of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw. His character was brought to life by Vicky Kaushal on the big screen.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆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
Animal, Vaathi Win National Film Award For Best Music Direction
Animal music composer Harshavardhan Rameshwar received the National Film Award for best music direction. He shared the award with GV Prakash Kumar for Vaathi.
Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant Wins Best Choreography Award For Dhindhora Baje Re
Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant won the best choreography award for the song Dhindhora Baje Re from the movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. (Photo: DD National)
Vash Wins Best Gujarati Film Award
The best Gujarati film award was given to Vash.
Vash is a 2023 Gujarati supernatural psychological horror film about a family whose daughter is manipulated by a mysterious stranger using dark magic, leading to terrifying consequences.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆Award for the ‘Best Gujarati Film’ is conferred to ‘Vash’.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/XmY2ZQqVvk
Kathal Wins National Film Award For Best Hindi Film
Sanya Malhotra-starrer Kathal, directed by first-time filmmaker Yashowardhan Mishra, was adjudged the best Hindi film at the 71st National Film Awards. The absurdist comedy revolved around a sharp cop from a lower caste who is on a mission to find two jackfruits that go missing from a local politician's garden.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆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
Ullozhukku Wins The Award For Best Malayalam Film
The award for the best Malayalam film under the best feature films category was conferred to Ullozhukku (Undercurrent). Directed by Christo Tomy and produced by Unnilazer Ventures Private Limited along with Macguffin Pictures, the film stars Parvathy Thiruvothu and Urvashi in lead roles.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆Award for the ‘Best Malayalam Film’ is conferred to ‘Ullozhukku (Undercurrent)’.@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023… pic.twitter.com/3kBHlDjj3t
MR Rajakrishnan Receives Special Mention At 71st National Film Awards
MR Rajakrishnan received a special mention at the 71st National Film Awards for his exceptional work as the re-recording mixer in Animal.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆M. R. Rajakrishnan (Re-Recording Mixer) wins a ‘Special Mention’ for ‘Animal’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023… pic.twitter.com/h18soaZJix
Animal Wins National Film Award Special Mention For Re-Recording
M R Rajakrishnan got the National Film Award special mention for re-recording for the Sandeep Reddy Vanga film which starred Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆M. R. Rajakrishnan (Re-Recording Mixer) wins a ‘Special Mention’ for ‘Animal’ (Hindi).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts #NFA2023… pic.twitter.com/h18soaZJix
Vidhu Vinod Chopra Reflects On His Journey As 12th Fail Bags Best Film Award
Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra attended the 71st National Film Awards ceremony to accept the best film award for his movie 12th Fail. Talking about the same, Vidhu said, "It's a personal win for me as well. I remember the first time I came here, when LK Advani ji was the I&B minister. I received Rs 4,000 for Murder at Monkey Hill in 1977, which was my first award. So, it's been my life. This is it. From there to here, it's my life, it's 12th FAIL." (Photo: DD National)
National Film Awards Celebrate Exceptional Scripts And Non-Feature Films
At the 71st National Film Awards, the award for the best script was conferred upon Chidananda Naik for the Kannada film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know..., honouring outstanding writing in Indian cinema.
Celebrating the brilliance of #IndianCinema at the 71st #NationalFilmAwards!
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025
🏆Award for the ‘Best Script’ is conferred to Chidananda Naik for ‘Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know…’ (Kannada).@rashtrapatibhvn @AshwiniVaishnaw @DrLMurugan @nfdcindia @PIB_India @DDNewslive… pic.twitter.com/7sgz46bz18
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji And Vikrant Massey Sit Together At The 71st National Film Awards
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey were seen sitting together at the National Film Awards ceremony. They will be receiving their first National Awards in their respective categories.
Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey will share the best actor award for their performances in Jawan and 12th Fail, respectively. Rani Mukerji will receive the best actress award for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. (Photo: DD National)
Mohanlal Arrives In White To Attend The 71st National Film Awards
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal arrived at Vigyan Bhavan to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema. He was seen greeting the committee members, fellow actors, and celebrities at the event. Read more here. (Photo: DD National)
Shah Rukh Khan And Rani Mukerji Sit Side By Side At National Film Awards Ceremony
Winners Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were spotted seated together during the prestigious 71st National Film Awards. The ceremony is taking place at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Shah Rukh Khan will receive the best actor for his performance in the 2023 blockbuster action-thriller Jawan, whereas Rani Mukerji will be honoured with the best actress National Film Award for her critically acclaimed role in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Read more here. (Photo: DD National)
Rani Mukerji To Receive Her First-Ever Best Actress National Film Award For Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway
Rani Mukerji will receive her first National Film Award for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The recognition comes three decades after her debut, making the honour especially significant for the actor.
In her statement following the announcement of the 71st National Film Awards, Rani admitted she was "overwhelmed" by the recognition, noting that this was her first National Award in 30 years.
The actor expressed gratitude to the jury for acknowledging her portrayal of a mother's unyielding fight in the acclaimed film.
The actor dedicated the award to mothers across the world, highlighting the unmatched strength and unconditional love they embody. "A mother can move mountains for her children and also make the world a better place," she said, adding that her own experience of motherhood made the role more personal and emotional.
Concluding her message, Rani thanked her fans for their support. Read more here.
Shah Rukh Khan To Receive His First-Ever Best Actor National Film Award
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been named the best actor (male) at the 71st National Film Awards for his work in the 2023 action thriller Jawan. This is his first National Award in the acting category in 33 years of his career in films. He will share the honour with Vikrant Massey (12th Fail).
In Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan played the double role of Indian Army officer Vikram Rathore and his son Azaad. The action thriller film, which earned over Rs 1,600 crore at the global box office, marked the actor's first film with Tamil cinema director Atlee. Read more here.
Malayalam Star Mohanlal To Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Mohanlal, whose career spans almost 50 years, will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in the field of Indian cinema. The 65-year-old actor has starred in over 400 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. Read more here.
