NEW DELHI, AUGUST 1, 2025 Which took all the 71 st National Film Awards which have just been officially announced are filled with surprises and unexpected wins as well as with really heartbreaking victories and index cases of long overdue victories. Compared to the other years, 2025 has proven to become a historical year of Indian movies, having started with Shah Rukh Khan receiving his first-ever National Award to Vikrant Massey winning it with a tear-filled moment and the contemporary example of Rani Mukerji making it back to business after a difficult time.
Top Highlights of 71st National Film Awards 2025
Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail not only touched hearts but also made history by winning the Best Feature Film award.
Best Actor (Shared): Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey
In a surprise move, the Best Actor award was shared by two outstanding performers:
- Shah Rukh Khan, for his massy-yet-intense performance in Jawan. This marks SRK’s first National Award in his 33-year-long career.
- Vikrant Massey, for his raw and realistic portrayal of a struggling student in 12th Fail.
Best Actress: Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji stunned critics and fans alike with her emotional role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Her powerful performance earned her Best Actress, also her first National Award.
Best Director: Sudipto Sen – The Kerala Story
Sudipto Sen’s controversial yet gripping direction in The Kerala Story earned him the Best Director award.
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Karan Johar’s family entertainer was praised for its entertainment value and social messaging.
Winners in Supporting Categories
| Category | Winner(s) | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Supporting Actor | Vijayaraghavan | Pookalam (Malayalam) |
| M. S. Bhaskar | Parking (Tamil) | |
| Best Supporting Actress | Urvashi | Ullozhukku (Malayalam) |
| Janki Bodiwala | Vash (Gujarati) |
SRK and Vikrant Massey React to Big Wins
It is a very emotional moment after receiving his award Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan said. This is a dream that I had a long time ago I am happy that the jury was impressed by my work.”
This was a dream come true of a 20-year old boy, who is visibly overwhelmed by his results today, says Vikrant Massey. It is what I have been waiting my whole life to do.”
Fans to social media went into a jubilation especially those who had been crying foul how iconic roles like in Swades had once meant nothing to Shah Rukh.
Rani Mukerji’s Comeback With a Bang
It took Mukerji years to pick her films selectively, but the manner in which she stole the show in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway has given her a strong comeback. Her act as a mother fighting a different system touched a note and was said to be one of her best appeals.
Regional Cinema Wins Big Too
This year saw regional films taking center stage across various categories:
| Language | Winning Film |
|---|---|
| Tamil | Parking |
| Malayalam | Ullozhukku |
| Telugu | Bhagavanth Kesari |
| Marathi | Shyamchi Aai |
| Punjabi | Godday Godday Chaa |
| Bengali | Deep Fridge |
| Odia | Pushkara |
| Kannada | Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope |
| Assamese | Rongatapu 1982 |
| Gujarati | Vash |
Among these, Parking turned heads with wins for Best Tamil Film, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay.
Technical & Other Major Wins
- Best Screenplay: Parking & Baby (shared)
- Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Rocky Aur Rani
- Best Sound Design: Animal
- Best Editing: Pookalam
- Best Production Design: 2028 – Everyone Is a Hero
- Best Cinematography: The Kerala Story
- Best Music Direction: Vaathi
Jury & Industry Speak
Jury head Ashutosh Gowariker said winning by Shah Rukh Khan is a historic thanks to the fact that he deserves it long ago.
Producer Ronnie Screwvala, whose films won multiple awards, praised the selection as “balanced and brave.”
Final Thoughts
It seems like the 71st National Film Awards is just one more evidence that Indian cinema remains to evolve further, while addressing the Indian film industry both to the major film stars like SRK, and to the smaller content individuals like the 12th Fail. And with the regional stories becoming the cognizance of national citizenship and the long-disregard talents finally achieving their fanfare, 2025 has redefined the expectations of the awards.
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