The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi on Saturday announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards, honoring Indian cinema’s best achievements in feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. The awards recognize films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2024.One of the highlights of this year’s honors was Yami Gautam winning the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Article 370. The film also became the top winner of the ceremony by taking home the prestigious Best Film award.Sharing the honor for best actor Kartik Aarya for his transformative performance in Chandu Champion and mammoth for his critically acclaimed role in the Malayalam horror drama Bramayugam.
Article 370 emerges as the biggest winner
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Article 370 won the coveted Best Film award besides winning Yami Gautam the Best Actress trophy. The political thriller received widespread appreciation upon its release for its storytelling and performances.
Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty share the Best Actor award
The jury awarded two performances in the best actor category. Kartik Aaryan was recognized for Chandu Champion, and critics praised his physical transformation and commitment to portraying Paralympian Murlikant Petkar. Veteran star Mammootty received the honor for his haunting performance in Rahul Sadasivan’s Bramayugam, a role that had won widespread acclaim from audiences and critics.
Other big winners
Director Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Director for Tamil blockbuster Amaran, while Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi epic Kalki: 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Offering Wholesome Entertainment.Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda won the award for Best Debut Film by a Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, marking a significant milestone in his journey as a director.In the Hindi film category, Srikanth, directed by Tushar Hiranandani and starring Rajkummar Rao, Jyotika and Alaya F, was awarded the Best Hindi Film.The award for Best Film Critic (Hindi) went to Sanjeev Shrivastava.
A year of acclaimed performances
The eligibility year 2024 saw several Indian films garner critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. Films like All We Imagine As Light and Laapataa Ladies received worldwide acclaim, while the performances of actors like Sai Pallavi (Amaran), Kani Kusruti (All We Imagine As Light, Girls Will Be Girls), Shraddha Kapoor (Stree 2), Alia Bhatt (Jigra) and Prithviraj Sukumaran (Amaran) were widely acclaimed during The Aadujeat Life: Season.
72nd National Film Awards: Main winners
Best Feature Film: Article 370Best Hindi Feature Film: SrikanthBest Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki: 2898 ADBest Director’s Debut Film: Randeep Hooda (Swatantrya Veer Savarkar)Best Film Critic (Hindi): Sanjeev Shrivastava