The 71st National Film Awards 2025 took place on September 23 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The prestigious event honored outstanding contributions to Indian cinema across multiple categories. For Bollywood fans, the biggest highlight was Shah Rukh Khan winning his first National Award after 33 years in the industry. Alongside him, actress Rani Mukerji also received her first National Award. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honors to the winners, making the ceremony a memorable chapter in Indian film history.

Shah Rukh Khan Wins Best Actor for Jawan

Shah Rukh Khan, often called the “King of Bollywood,” received the Best Actor Award for his 2023 blockbuster Jawan. The film, directed by Atlee, became one of the highest-grossing movies of its time. Khan’s performance, filled with intensity and versatility, earned praise from critics and fans alike. Despite decades of stardom, this was the first time Shah Rukh Khan secured a National Award. He shared the award with actor Vikrant Massey, who was honored for 12th Fail. The moment marked a historic recognition of Khan’s contribution to Indian cinema.

Vikrant Massey Also Honored for 12th Fail

Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail won him equal recognition alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The film, based on real-life struggles of aspirants, resonated with audiences nationwide. Massey’s portrayal was celebrated for its realism and emotional depth. Sharing the Best Actor Award with Khan highlighted the diversity of talent in the Indian film industry. It also reinforced that both established stars and newer actors are celebrated for their craft at the National Awards.

Rani Mukerji Wins Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway

Actress Rani Mukerji won her first Best Actress National Award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The film depicted the struggle of a mother battling foreign authorities for her children’s custody. Mukerji’s powerful performance touched hearts globally and was recognized as one of her career-best roles. Despite a career spanning nearly three decades, this was her first National Award. Her win, along with Khan’s, became one of the defining moments of the 71st ceremony.

Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani Wins Popular Film Award

Karan Johar’s colorful family drama Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani won the Best Popular Film Award. The movie, released in 2023, combined entertainment with emotional storytelling, making it a favorite among audiences. Its recognition underlined how mainstream cinema continues to play a vital role in Indian culture.

Mohanlal Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement

One of the most emotional highlights of the ceremony was veteran actor Mohanlal receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for his legendary work in Malayalam cinema and beyond, Mohanlal’s recognition celebrated a career spanning decades. His influence on Indian cinema remains unmatched, and this award honored his lifelong dedication to the craft.

Best Short Film and Non-Feature Awards

The Hindi short film Giddh: The Scavenger, directed by Manish Saini, won Best Short Film (up to 30 minutes). President Murmu personally handed the award, recognizing Saini’s storytelling skills. Non-feature categories also honored films promoting social values, documentaries, and artistic projects. The non-feature award for Best Social Value Film went to The Silent Epidemic. Meanwhile, The Flowering Man (Hindi) was named Best Non-Feature Film.

Complete Winners List of 71st National Film Awards 2025

Feature Film Awards:

• Best Feature Film – 12th Fail

• Best Children’s Film – Naal 2 (Marathi)

• Best Feature Film Promoting National and Social Values – Sam Bahadur

• Best Popular Film – Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani

• Best Debut Director – Ashish Bende (Aatmapamphlet, Marathi)

• Best Animated/VFX Film – Hanu-Man (Telugu)

• Best Direction – Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)

• Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)

• Best Actress – Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)

• Best Supporting Actor – Vijay Raghavan (Pookkalam), Somu Bhaskar (Parking)

• Best Supporting Actress – Urvashi (Ullozhukku), Janaki Bodiwala (Vash)

• Best Child Artists – Sukriti Veni (Gandhi Katha Chetu), Kabir Khandare (Gypsy), Trisha Tosar, Srinivas Pokale, Bhargav Jagpat (Naal 2)

• Best Male Playback Singer – PVNS Rohit (Baby, Telugu)

• Best Female Playback Singer – Shilpa Rao (Chaleya, Jawan)

• Best Cinematography – Prashantanu Mohapatra (The Kerala Story)

• Best Dialogue Writer – Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai)

• Best Screenplay – Ramkumar Balakrishnan (Baby, Telugu), Sai Rajesh Neelam (Parking, Tamil)

• Best Sound Design (Hindi) – Animal (Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan Muralidharan)

• Best Editing – Midhun Murali (Pookkalam, Malayalam)

• Best Production Design – Mohandas (Everyone is a Hero, Malayalam)

• Best Costume Design – Sam Bahadur (Sachin Lovalekar, Divya Gambhir, Nidhi Gambhir)

• Best Makeup – Sam Bahadur (Shrikant Desai)

• Best Background Score – Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)

• Best Music Direction – GV Prakash Kumar (Vaathi, Tamil)

• Best Lyrics – Kasarla Shyam (Balagam, Telugu)

• Best Choreography – Vaibhavi Merchant (Dindhora Baje, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani)

• Best Action Direction – Hanu-Man (Telugu)

• Regional Feature Film Awards:

  • Gujarati: Vash

  • Bengali: Deep Freeze

  • Assamese: Rongatapu

  • Hindi: Kathal

  • Kannada: Kandilu

  • Tai Phake: Pai Tang: Step of Hope

  • Garo: Rimdohgitanga

  • Telugu: Bhagavanth Kesari

  • Tamil: Parking

  • Punjabi: Godde Godde Cha

  • Odia: Pushkar

  • Marathi: Shyamchi Aai

  • Malayalam: Ullozhukku

Non-Feature Film Awards:

• Best Special Mention (Non-Feature) – Nekal (Malayalam)

• Best Music (Non-Feature) – The First Film (Hindi)

• Best Script (Non-Feature) – Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know (Kannada)

• Best Editing (Non-Feature) – Neeladri Roy (Moving Focus, English)

• Best Voice Over – Harikrishna S (The Sacred Jack: Exploring the Tree Wishes)

• Best Sound Design (Non-Feature) – Shubharun Sengupta (Dhundhgiri Ke Phool, Hindi)

• Best Cinematography (Non-Feature) – Little Wings (Tamil)

• Best Director (Non-Feature) – Piyush Thakur (The First Film, Hindi)

• Best Short Film (Non-Feature) – Giddh: The Scavenger (Hindi)

• Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social Values – The Silent Epidemic (Hindi)

• Best Documentary – God, Vulture and Human (English)

• Best Arts/Culture Film – Timeless Tamil Nadu (English)

• Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction – Mo Bau, Mo Gaon (Subhash Sahu)

• Best Debut Director (Non-Feature) – Mau: The Spirit of Dream of Cheraw (Mizo)

• Best Non-Feature Film – The Flowering Man (Hindi)

Selection Process and Jury Panel

The awards considered films released between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Out of 332 feature films and 115 non-feature films nominated, the jury selected the winners after detailed evaluation. The final report was presented to Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and L. Murugan on August 1. The jury panel was chaired by renowned filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, ensuring transparency and credibility in the selection process.

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 marked a turning point for many Indian actors and filmmakers. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji’s first National Awards became the emotional highlight of the evening. Vikrant Massey’s recognition for 12th Fail showcased the rise of new-age talent. Mohanlal’s lifetime honor celebrated decades of excellence. With a comprehensive list of winners across languages and genres, the ceremony reflected the diversity and richness of Indian cinema.