Every year, the National Film Awards are presented to honor outstanding contributions in Indian cinema. These prestigious awards are given across various categories to recognize excellence in acting, direction, writing, music, and more. This time, reports are strongly hinting that actors Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji may be honored with the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively at the upcoming National Film Awards. Although no official confirmation has been provided yet, speculations in the entertainment industry suggest that the formal announcement may come very soon.

Delay in the National Film Awards Continues

For the past few years, the schedule of the National Film Awards has been facing consistent delays. The trend began during the COVID-19 pandemic when the award ceremonies were first postponed due to safety concerns and production halts. Since then, the delay has become a regular occurrence. For instance, the 2023 National Awards were held to recognize films released in 2022. Now, in 2025, the films released in 2023 are due to be honored at the upcoming 71st edition of the awards.

The delay has again raised questions about the consistency and timeline of the award process. The audience, filmmakers, and actors eagerly await the declaration of winners every year, as the National Film Awards hold a unique prestige and are viewed as a mark of pure talent and cinematic excellence, free from commercial considerations.

Possible Winners: Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji

According to recent reports, particularly one published by Bollywood Hungama, there is strong speculation that Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji are the leading contenders for this year’s Best Actor and Best Actress categories. The report mentions that the official announcement regarding the 71st National Film Awards could be made within the next 48 hours. Although no specific date or confirmation has been provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the news has already stirred excitement in the industry and among fans.

Vikrant Massey is expected to be honored for his stellar performance in the film “12th Fail”, while Rani Mukerji is likely to win for her powerful role in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway”. Both actors received critical acclaim for their performances, with many considering their work among the finest of their careers.

Vikrant Massey’s Impactful Role in 12th Fail

Released on October 27, Vikrant Massey’s “12th Fail” became one of the most talked-about Hindi films in recent times. The movie tells the story of a student who overcomes personal struggles and systemic obstacles to achieve his dream of becoming a civil servant. Massey’s portrayal of a determined and emotionally layered character resonated with the audience and critics alike.

The film is directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and is based on a true story. Massey’s performance was noted for its sincerity and emotional depth. Many believe that his role in this film has set a new benchmark for acting in contemporary Hindi cinema. Currently available for streaming on JioCinema, the film enjoys a solid IMDb rating of 8.7, which reflects its popularity among viewers.

Film critics praised Massey for his ability to carry a narrative-driven film without relying on commercial gimmicks. His grounded acting style and dedication to the character helped the film gain both critical and audience appreciation. Given this, his win at the National Awards, if confirmed, will not be a surprise to many.

Rani Mukerji’s Powerful Comeback in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway

Rani Mukerji’s performance in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway” has also been hailed as one of the most emotionally powerful performances of the year. Released on March 17, 2023, the film is based on the real-life story of an Indian mother whose children were taken away by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, prompting a long legal and emotional battle.

Rani’s portrayal of a mother fighting against a foreign legal system to reclaim her children moved audiences and critics alike. She brought raw emotion, intensity, and nuance to the role, which required her to depict grief, resilience, and cultural strength all at once.

The film struck a chord with Indian viewers not only because of its compelling subject but also because of Rani’s remarkable comeback. Despite having worked in the industry for decades, Rani delivered a performance that many consider to be among the best in her career. She captured the vulnerability of a mother and the strength of a woman unwilling to give up, making her a strong contender for this year’s Best Actress title.

Anticipation Builds Across the Industry

Although no official list has been released yet, industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the final announcement. The buzz surrounding Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji’s potential wins has intensified over the past few days. Filmmakers, journalists, and trade analysts are closely watching developments from the Directorate of Film Festivals, which manages the awards under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

There is also significant social media attention around the awards this year. Hashtags related to Vikrant Massey, Rani Mukerji, and the National Film Awards have been trending across platforms. Many fans have already started celebrating the possibility of their favorite stars winning the honors, even though the official list is yet to be released.

National Awards: A Mark of Artistic Excellence

Unlike other Indian film awards, the National Film Awards are not driven by box office success or popular votes. They are seen as an institution that recognizes real talent, storytelling, and technical brilliance in cinema. The awards are decided by a national panel of experts and jurors from across the country, and they hold immense credibility in the film fraternity.

Winning a National Award often leads to further opportunities and recognition for artists, and for many, it remains the highest form of validation for their work. Over the years, several actors and filmmakers have described the National Awards as the pinnacle of achievement in Indian cinema.

This is why every year, speculation around the winners is not just limited to fan interest but is deeply rooted in expectations across the industry. Recognition at this platform often changes the trajectory of careers and opens doors to more meaningful projects.

Awaiting the Official Announcement

With the news that the 71st National Film Awards announcement could come within the next 48 hours, all eyes are on the official portals of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. If the current reports turn out to be accurate, then Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji will be adding one of the highest honors in Indian cinema to their already impressive list of achievements.

Their selection would also mark a significant moment in the Indian film industry’s recognition of serious, content-driven performances over star power and box office numbers. It reflects a changing trend in how cinema is appreciated and acknowledged in India.

As audiences and critics wait for confirmation, the excitement continues to build. The performances by both actors not only captivated viewers but also brought attention to meaningful stories rooted in real-life struggles and social issues. Their possible win at the National Awards could inspire more filmmakers and actors to take up challenging, story-rich roles in the future.

Whether or not the current reports are confirmed, one thing is clear—the performances by Vikrant Massey in “12th Fail” and Rani Mukerji in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway” have already won the hearts of audiences and critics. If the upcoming National Awards do recognize their talent, it will only be a formal validation of what the public already believes.

With the announcement expected soon, fans, media professionals, and the entire film industry are holding their breath. The 71st National Film Awards are shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent years, and the buzz around potential winners like Vikrant and Rani adds even more excitement to the event.

Stay tuned for the official announcement, which may finally bring clarity and kick off celebrations for these deserving performers.