The 72nd National Film Awards were announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi, celebrating the finest achievements in Indian cinema. The awards recognise films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during 2024.
This year, Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner by taking home the Best Feature Film award. The film also earned Yami Gautam the Best Actor in a Leading Role award and Shashwat Sachdev the honour for Best Music Direction, making it one of the most celebrated films of the year.
Among the major acting winners, Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for Chandu Champion, while Mammootty was recognised for his performance in Bramayugam.
Article 370 Dominates the Awards
Political drama Article 370 emerged as the standout film of the ceremony by winning multiple honours, including the prestigious Best Feature Film award.
The film’s lead actor, Yami Gautam, was recognised for her performance, while composer Shashwat Sachdev won Best Music Direction, highlighting the film’s critical success across categories.
Top Acting Winners
The Best Actor in a Leading Role category recognised three outstanding performances:
- Yami Gautam – Article 370
- Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion
- Mammootty – Bramayugam
In the supporting acting categories, Sanjay Mishra (Bakshak), Ropashree Varkady (Mithya), and Sachana Namidass (Maharaja) were among the winners.
Major Technical Award Winners
Several films were honoured for excellence in technical categories:
- Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
- Best Action Direction: Ani Arasu (Maharaja)
- Best Choreography: Vijay Ganguly (Stree 2)
- Best Cinematography: Shehnad Jalal (Bramayugam)
- Best Editing: R. Kalaivannan (Amaran)
- Best Sound Design: Manas Choudhury (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
- Best Production Design: Nitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki 2898 AD)
- Best Costume Design: Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma (Pushpa 2)
Regional Cinema Celebrated
The National Film Awards continued to recognise outstanding regional cinema across India.
Some of the winners include:
- Best Hindi Film: Srikanth
- Best Odia Film: Lahari
- Best Malayalam Film: Feminichi Fathima
- Best Tamil Film: Raayan
- Best Telugu Film: Committee Kurrollu
- Best Kannada Film: Mithya
- Best Marathi Film: Mukkham Post Bombilwadi
- Best Bengali Film: Chalchithra Ekhon
- Best Assamese Film: Juiphool
- Best Gujarati Film: Maaran
- Best Konkani Film: Mog Asum
- Best Tulu Film: IMBU
- Best Garhwali Film: Dholi
- Best Manipuri Film: Sunita
Children’s and Debut Film Awards
The jury selected 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu as the Best Children’s Film, while Swatantrya Veer Savarkar received the Best Debut Film award.
Captain Miller won the award for Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
Non-Feature Film Winners
The awards also recognised excellence in documentary, animation and short films.
Major winners include:
- Best Non-Fiction Film: Bhangar
- Best Documentary Film: Ram-Nami
- Best Short Film: Hamsafar
- Best Animation Film: Touched as Water
- Best Social/Environmental Film: Piplantri
- Best Art and Culture Film: Main Nida
- Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction Film: Kakori
The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated excellence across feature and non-feature cinema, recognising performances, storytelling and technical achievements from filmmakers across the country.
