Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji Shine at 71st National Film Awards

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has revealed the winners of the 71st National Film Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2023. This year’s awards highlight exceptional performances, direction, and production across various genres, recognizing both established and emerging talents.

Leading the accolades, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan garnered his first-ever National Award for Best Actor for his compelling portrayal in the action thriller Jawan, directed by Atlee. Sharing the honor is Vikrant Massey, who earned the same title for his remarkable performance in the biographical drama 12th Fail, which also claimed the award for Best Feature Film. This film, inspired by the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, showcases resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Celebrated Performances and Notable Wins

Recognized for her emotionally impactful role, Rani Mukerji was awarded Best Actress for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. In this poignant film, she portrays a mother who confronts foreign authorities in her fight for her children’s custody.

In the direction category, Sudipto Sen received the Best Director award for his work on The Kerala Story. Additionally, Karan Johar‘s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani was honored with the award for Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

The commercial success of Jawan cannot be overstated, as it is one of the year’s highest-grossing films, surpassing the ₹1000 crore mark globally. Featuring a dual role by Shah Rukh Khan, the film explores themes of corruption and justice, and also stars Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi.

Technical Excellence and Regional Highlights

The film Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, received significant recognition, winning three technical awards. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, achieved a Special Mention for Re-recording by MR Rajakrishnan, alongside awards for Best Background Score and Best Sound Design.

In a nod to national pride and social values, Vicky Kaushal‘s Sam Bahadur, which depicts the life of India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, won the award for Best Film Promoting National and Social Values. The film also secured accolades for Best Make-Up and Best Costume Design.

Regional cinema also shone brightly at the awards. The Tamil film Parking, directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan, emerged victorious, taking home awards for Best Tamil Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for M.S. Bhaskar. The Best Actress (Regional) award was shared between Nithya Menen for Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for the Gujarati film Kutch Express.

The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrate individual talent but also reflect the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. It highlights a diverse range of stories, from mainstream blockbusters to biographical narratives and socially relevant films, all of which contribute to a rich and dynamic national film identity.